Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property. But sometimes, a tree becomes a hazard rather than an asset. Knowing when to remove a tree can protect your home, your family, and your neighbors from serious damage.

As West Michigan's trusted tree removal experts with 90+ five-star Google reviews, we've seen what happens when warning signs are ignored. Here are five warning signs that it might be time to call a professional tree service.

1. Dead or Dying Branches

If you notice large dead branches in the crown of your tree, this is a major red flag. Dead branches can fall without warning, especially during Michigan storms or high winds.

What to look for:

• Branches with no leaves during growing season
• Bark falling off branches
• Brittle branches that snap easily
• Multiple dead branches on one side of the tree

A few dead branches can sometimes be saved with professional pruning, but if more than 50% of the tree is dead or dying, removal is usually the safest option.

2. Trunk Damage or Decay

The trunk is the backbone of your tree. When it's compromised, the entire tree becomes unstable and could fall on your home, car, or family.

Warning signs include:

• Large cracks or splits in the trunk
• Hollow areas or cavities
• Soft, crumbly wood
• Mushrooms or fungus growing at the base
• Peeling bark that doesn't grow back

Fungi at the base of a tree often indicate root rot, which means the tree could fall over even if it looks healthy above ground. This is one of the most dangerous situations because there's often no visible warning before the tree comes down.

3. Leaning Tree

While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden lean is cause for serious concern. This usually means root damage or structural failure is happening underground where you can't see it.

When to worry:

• Tree suddenly starts leaning (wasn't always that way)
• Leaning more than 15 degrees from vertical
• Exposed or heaving roots on one side
• Cracked soil around the base

A leaning tree can fall without warning - and often during the worst possible time, like a storm. If you notice a new lean, call a professional tree service immediately.

4. Root Problems

Roots anchor your tree and deliver water and nutrients. Damaged roots mean a weakened, unstable tree that could come down at any time.

Signs of root trouble:

• Visible roots that are damaged or decaying
• Fungus growing near the base
• Recently disturbed soil from construction or digging
• Tree declining after nearby excavation work
• Heaving soil on one side of the tree

Root damage from construction is one of the most common reasons trees fail years later. If major digging happened near your tree, keep a close eye on it for the next several years.

5. Location Hazards

Sometimes a perfectly healthy tree is still a danger because of where it's located. This is especially common in West Michigan neighborhoods where trees have grown over decades.

Risky situations include:

• Branches touching or hanging over your roof
• Roots damaging your foundation, driveway, or sewer lines
• Tree blocking sunlight from other plants or solar panels
• Limbs near power lines
• Tree too close to your home (could fall on house)

Even a healthy tree might need removal if it poses a risk to your property or safety. Sometimes cabling and bracing can help, but often removal is the safest choice.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait until a storm brings the tree down. A professional tree service can assess the situation and let you know if the tree can be saved or if removal is the safest choice.

At Gill's Tree Service, we've been helping West Michigan homeowners make smart decisions about their trees for over 12 years. We offer free estimates and honest advice - if your tree can be saved with trimming or cabling, we'll tell you.

What sets us apart:

• 90+ Five-Star Google Reviews - Proven track record
• 12+ Years Experience - We've seen it all
• Licensed & Fully Insured - Your protection guaranteed
• 24/7 Emergency Service - We're here when you need us
• Free Estimates - Honest, upfront pricing
• Se Habla Espanol - We serve everyone

Tree Removal Services in West Michigan

We provide professional tree removal and emergency tree services throughout West Michigan, including:

Plus Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Allegan, Muskegon, and all surrounding communities.

Related Tree Services

• Tree Removal - Safe removal of hazardous trees
• Tree Trimming & Pruning - Keep healthy trees safe
• 24/7 Emergency Tree Service - Storm damage response
• Stump Grinding - Complete stump removal
• Tree Cabling & Crane Service - Save valuable trees
• Lot Clearing - Land clearing for construction

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Published by Gill's Tree Service - West Michigan's trusted tree experts since 2012. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Contact us for a free estimate or call (616) 886-8920.