When to remove a tree

Dead, decaying or damaged trees can pose serious risks to your safety and finances. That’s why it’s important to understand the warning signs and be proactive if you find a red flag. But what if you’re not sure when to remove a tree? 

In many cases, you can tell a tree may need to be removed by looking for symptoms such as excessive sap seepage from the trunk, dead branches or twigs in the canopy, and body fungus (bracket fungus). That said, a tree could appear strong and healthy on the outside while struggling with internal decay and disease.

To help you take action before any property damage or personal injuries occur, we’ve listed the 12 signs that suggest it’s time to remove a tree.

When to remove a tree: 12 warning signs to watch for

If you suspect that your tree is showing any of the below symptoms, please get in touch with a certified arborist who has the expertise to remove or prune it safely.

1. The tree has died

A dead tree no longer looks beautiful, provides shade or retains water. Instead, you can expect a compromised structural integrity, falling branches and the risk of disease spreading to neighbouring vegetation. 

The good news is that there are some easy ways to check whether your tree has died. Firstly, you can perform the ‘tree scratch test’. Scratch the trunk’s outer layer of bark to reveal the cambium layer beneath. If this cambium layer is brown and dry, it is likely that your tree is dead.

Another sign of a dead tree is large dead branches at its crown. Trees with broken tops or heavy damaged branches should be removed as soon as possible. 

2. The tree doesn’t look healthy

How does your tree look in comparison to the trees around it? Is it growing as much or appearing as healthy? Sparse and discoloured foliage, as well as a lack of growth, are markers of a tree that may need to be removed. Additionally, vertical cracks, dead branch stubs and sizeable lesions point to internal decay. 

A decaying tree not only harms curb appeal, but is vulnerable to pests and infection, so it’s important to act fast if you notice these signs of decay.

3. The tree has root defects

Look out for abnormal roots and soil around your tree. Although root defects are not always noticeable to the untrained eye, heaving soil or fungi close to the trunk’s base often indicate problems with the roots themselves.

4. The trunk is cracked

Cracks and substantial wounds on the tree trunk are all signs of internal decay. As well as weakening the tree and increasing its susceptibility to damage in high winds, these cracks can split the tree in two if they run through the stem. 

Whether or not tree removal is necessary depends on the extent of the damage. If under 25% of the trunk’s circumference is affected, the wound may gradually recover without intervention.

5. The trunk is hollow

A hollow or rotted trunk means that the tree’s structural integrity is seriously compromised. If you spot this symptom, please call us on (02) 4058 3149 as soon as possible to arrange tree removal.

6. The tree is leaning

As a rule of thumb, we suggest removing any tree that is leaning at an angle over 15%. That’s because leaning trees are more likely to fall over, in turn causing property damage or personal injury. 

While not all leaning trees are dangerous, if you notice a sudden lean to one side then there may be breakage or weakened roots – both of which can be grounds for removal.

 7. The tree is too close to buildings or power lines

You may need to remove the tree if it encroaches on nearby structures or power lines. 

Typically, large trees should remain more than 20 feet from a building so that they won’t hang over the roof or press against walls and foundations. Expanding root systems and large branches can cause expensive damage, so preventative tree removal is often the most cost-effective option. 

On a similar note, trees near power lines should never exceed heights over 25 feet. If your tree is growing under power lines, its foliage may need to be thinned out – electricity can arc as far as ten feet in rainy or stormy conditions, conducting through wet leaves before hitting the ground. This event can cause power outages in nearby buildings. 

8. The tree was damaged in a storm

We experience some intense weather here in Australia. Unfortunately, powerful storms and high winds can damage even the sturdiest tree permanently – whether it be a full blow-over, broken branches, a crown twist or root or stem failure. 

While the tree will usually succumb to these injuries and eventually die, it may pose significant safety risks in the meantime and should be removed. 

9. The tree is infested

Pests like termites can infest your tree and damage its structure, increasing the risk of falling branches. Crumbly wood, cracks in the bark, malformed or discoloured leaves, crown dieback and fungi can all be symptoms of infestation. Other indications include insect emergence holes and woodpeckers.

Infested trees will gradually die, but often not before the insects spread to neighbouring trees. Removing the tree altogether tends to be the most effective way to avoid widespread infestation on your property and beyond.

10. Your property is overgrown with trees

If your property is teeming with too many trees, they may begin to compete for the nutrients in the soil. Consequently, smaller trees may become deficient. Overcrowding can also result in weak flowering and restricted air circulation, which increases the possibility of fungal disease. 

In these circumstances, it might be a good idea to cull. By cutting down some of the trees, you will support the rest to flourish. 

11. The tree is dropping excessive debris

Certain trees drop excessive amounts of leaves, branches, sap, seeds, and needles. This debris not only leaves your garden, carpet or solar panels messy, but can potentially even cause damage. For instance, dried leaves are a fire hazard in the summer heat. 

12. The tree obstructs views

We understand that sometimes tree removal is more of a preference than a necessity. If positioned in the wrong location, a tree can block scenic views and sunlight. In turn, the latter could hinder vegetation growth and leave your home in the dark. 

These are all important factors to consider if you plan to sell your property, as they can affect its value. Just don’t forget to obtain local council approval before you remove the tree (more on this below!).

What time of year is best to remove a tree?

Winter is usually the best time of year to remove a tree. As trees tend to be dormant during the cold season, there are less leaves and branches to clean up after their removal. This can make the tree removal process easier and more efficient.

Depending on the types of plants on your property, winter tree removal can also result in less disturbance to surrounding vegetation, which rarely grows at this time of year. As it is the dormant season, these plants are also given sufficient time to recover before spring rolls around.

Should you wait for winter to remove a tree?

No, you do not need to wait for winter to remove a tree. In fact, if the tree is a danger to your safety or property, its removal may be a matter of urgency. This is often the case if a tree has a deadly disease that could spread to surrounding vegetation, or if its structural integrity is harmed.

At Agility Trees, we offer emergency tree removal services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens. Please call us on (02) 4058 3149 now if you feel your tree requires immediate attention and we’ll come over as soon as possible. 

When to remove a tree vs prune a tree

Your tree might not need to be cut down completely. Provided the tree is not dead, decaying or hazardous, our expert arborists may recommend alternative measures such as pruning or disease mitigation to resolve minor issues. 

Tree pruning involves removing certain branches or stems with the aim of benefitting the tree as a whole. This task should always be left to a qualified arborist who knows exactly which growth points to cut the tree at, as well as which Australian standards to follow.

Getting permission to remove a tree

If you are planning to remove a tree on your property, you’ll need to secure local council approval first. Otherwise, you might face large fines for chopping down the tree illegally.

Tree Preservation Guidelines vary depending on the Local Government Area, so it’s best to contact your specific council and confirm its criteria for tree removal. 

At Agility Trees, we are happy to include information on council requirements within your initial quote. We can also help you to get the required documents for tree removal in order so that you can cut it down with peace of mind that you aren’t breaking any laws.

Get a free quote for tree removal in your area

Now that you know when to remove a tree, you may need to take action urgently. Cutting down a tree can be a physically challenging and even emotional experience if they hold sentimental value. But if your tree is a safety hazard to your home, loved ones or neighbours, it’s best to call in a certified arborist who can assess the situation and remove it if necessary.

Contact our team on (02) 4058 3149 for safe and effective tree removal by qualified professionals with proper insurance. We remove trees throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens. Get a free quote today.