How to Tell When a Tree Needs to Be Removed: A Guide for Blacksburg Homeowners
March 18, 2025
As a homeowner in Blacksburg, Virginia, you likely cherish the trees that provide shade, beauty, and privacy to your property. However, there are times when a tree may no longer be safe or healthy and could need to be removed. Trees that are in poor condition or at risk of falling can pose serious hazards to your home, family, and surrounding landscape.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the key signs that indicate a tree may need to be removed, and why it’s crucial to have an experienced professional like Extreme Tree Company handle the removal process.
1. Leaning or Tilted Trees
A tree that is noticeably leaning, especially if the lean is recent, could indicate that the tree is unstable. It’s natural for trees to lean a little towards the sun, but if the lean is pronounced or has become worse over time, it could mean that the root system is compromised or the tree is not anchored securely in the ground. This can be especially concerning in Blacksburg, where heavy winds and storms can exacerbate the problem.
What to Do: If you notice a leaning tree, contact a certified tree removal expert. They’ll evaluate the root system and overall health of the tree to determine whether it poses a risk to your property.
What to Do: If you notice a leaning tree, contact a certified tree removal expert. They’ll evaluate the root system and overall health of the tree to determine whether it poses a risk to your property.
2. Dead or Dying Trees
One of the most obvious signs that a tree needs to be removed is when it is dead or dying. Signs of a dead tree include:
What to Do: If you suspect your tree is dead, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional. They can determine the best course of action, which may include removal.
- No new growth in the spring
- Cracked, brittle, or peeling bark
- Excessive amounts of deadwood or branches without leaves
- Discolored leaves or sparse foliage
What to Do: If you suspect your tree is dead, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional. They can determine the best course of action, which may include removal.
3. Hollow or Decaying Trunk
A tree with a hollow trunk or severe internal decay is at a high risk of collapsing. You can check for internal decay by looking for holes, soft spots, or cracking in the trunk. If the tree is hollow to a large extent, it may no longer be able to support itself, let alone withstand strong winds or storms.
What to Do: If the trunk appears hollow or decayed, have an expert come out to evaluate whether the tree should be removed. Sometimes trees can be saved with the right care, but often, hollow trees are beyond repair.
What to Do: If the trunk appears hollow or decayed, have an expert come out to evaluate whether the tree should be removed. Sometimes trees can be saved with the right care, but often, hollow trees are beyond repair.
4. Infestation of Pests or Disease
Pests and diseases are some of the most common causes of a tree’s decline. In Blacksburg, various insects, fungi, and bacteria can damage trees. For example, the Emerald Ash Borer is a known pest that affects ash trees, while fungi like root rot can weaken the tree’s foundation. Signs of infestation include:
What to Do: If you spot any of these signs, it's essential to have your tree professionally inspected. Some pests or diseases can be treated, but if the damage is too severe, removal may be the safest option.
- Sudden leaf loss or discolored foliage
- Holes in the trunk or branches (indicative of insects)
- Fungal growth or mushrooms growing around the base of the tree
- Excessive insect activity on the tree’s leaves or trunk
What to Do: If you spot any of these signs, it's essential to have your tree professionally inspected. Some pests or diseases can be treated, but if the damage is too severe, removal may be the safest option.
5. Severe Storm Damage
Severe weather conditions, including strong winds, ice storms, and heavy rainfall, can severely damage trees. Look out for:
After a major storm, it's crucial to assess your trees for damage. Even if the tree looks okay from a distance, internal damage may be present, and its structural integrity could be compromised.
What to Do: If your tree has been damaged by a storm, it’s important to have it inspected by a tree professional. They’ll assess the extent of the damage and determine whether removal or trimming is necessary.
- Large broken or hanging branches
- Cracked trunks
- Exposed roots
- Leaning trees due to a destabilized root system
After a major storm, it's crucial to assess your trees for damage. Even if the tree looks okay from a distance, internal damage may be present, and its structural integrity could be compromised.
What to Do: If your tree has been damaged by a storm, it’s important to have it inspected by a tree professional. They’ll assess the extent of the damage and determine whether removal or trimming is necessary.
6. Exposed or Damaged Roots
Roots are the foundation of a tree. If the roots have been exposed due to soil erosion, construction, or storm damage, the tree’s stability is compromised. Additionally, damaged or decayed roots can prevent the tree from absorbing enough water and nutrients, leading to overall decline.
What to Do: If you notice exposed roots or visible damage, contact a tree expert immediately. Depending on the severity, the tree may need to be removed to prevent it from toppling over or causing further damage.
What to Do: If you notice exposed roots or visible damage, contact a tree expert immediately. Depending on the severity, the tree may need to be removed to prevent it from toppling over or causing further damage.
7. Trees in Close Proximity to Structures
Trees that are too close to your home, power lines, or other structures should be monitored closely. If branches are overhanging your roof, windows, or utility lines, they can cause damage during storms or high winds. Additionally, the roots of large trees planted too close to foundations can cause structural issues over time.
What to Do: In cases where a tree’s proximity to your home could pose a danger, it’s essential to have it professionally evaluated. Sometimes, tree trimming can solve the issue, but in severe cases, removal may be the best option.
What to Do: In cases where a tree’s proximity to your home could pose a danger, it’s essential to have it professionally evaluated. Sometimes, tree trimming can solve the issue, but in severe cases, removal may be the best option.
Conclusion: Why Professional Tree Removal Matters
Tree removal
is a complex process that requires expertise, especially when it comes to assessing risks, planning the removal, and ensuring safety. Extreme Tree Company in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers expert
tree removal services
, using industry-leading equipment and techniques to safely remove dangerous or unhealthy trees from your property.
If you’re noticing any of the signs above in your trees, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help you protect your property and ensure the safety of your family by providing professional tree removal services.
If you’re noticing any of the signs above in your trees, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help you protect your property and ensure the safety of your family by providing professional tree removal services.
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