Tree removal in Texarkana, AR may become necessary when a tree is damaged, diseased, unstable, or beginning to pose a risk to your property. Knowing the warning signs early can help you deal with a dangerous tree before it causes costly damage.
Trees add shade, character, and value to your property, but determining when a tree needs a little care and when professional removal is the safer option isn’t always easy.
A tree that looks healthy from a distance can sometimes have significant structural problems hidden in its trunk, branches, or root system. Severe weather can make those weaknesses even more dangerous, increasing the risk of falling branches or an entire tree coming down.
If you own a home or business in Texarkana, AR, here are seven warning signs that a tree may need to be inspected — and potentially removed — before it causes damage to your property.
1. The Tree Is Leaning More Than Usual
Not every leaning tree is dangerous. Some trees naturally grow at an angle and remain perfectly stable for decades.
A tree that has recently started leaning, however, deserves attention.
Changes in the soil, root damage, storms, heavy rainfall, or strong winds can affect a tree’s stability. A noticeable change in the angle of the trunk may indicate that the root system is no longer properly supporting the tree.
Look around the base for signs such as raised or cracked soil, exposed roots, or movement around the root plate.
If a large tree suddenly begins leaning toward your house, driveway, power lines, or another structure, arrange a professional assessment as soon as possible.
2. Large Branches Are Dead or Falling
An occasional small dead branch isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but multiple large dead limbs can indicate a bigger problem.
Dead branches become brittle over time and can eventually break away from the tree. During storms or high winds, the risk can increase considerably.
This is particularly concerning when branches extend over:
- Homes and roofs
- Driveways and vehicles
- Sidewalks
- Outdoor living areas
- Neighboring properties
- Utility lines
In some cases, professional pruning can remove hazardous branches while preserving the tree. If significant portions of the tree have died, however, removal may be the safer long-term option.
3. There Is Significant Damage or Decay in the Trunk
The trunk provides much of a tree’s structural support, which means significant trunk damage should never be ignored.
Large cavities, extensive cracking, rotting sections, or hollow areas can weaken the tree and reduce its ability to withstand severe weather.
You may also notice mushrooms or other fungal growth around the trunk or base of the tree. While fungi alone don’t necessarily mean a tree needs to be removed, certain types of decay can indicate problems inside the tree that aren’t immediately visible.
A professional tree service can assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the tree can be safely maintained.
4. The Tree Has Been Damaged by a Storm
Texarkana and the surrounding region can experience severe thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, and other weather capable of damaging mature trees.
After a major storm, inspect the trees around your property from a safe distance.
Warning signs can include:
- Split or cracked trunks
- Hanging branches
- Broken major limbs
- A newly leaning tree
- Exposed or damaged roots
- Large sections of the canopy missing
Some storm-damaged trees can be saved through professional pruning and care. Others may have suffered enough structural damage that leaving them standing creates an unnecessary risk.
If a tree or large branch has already fallen, or appears likely to fall, professional emergency tree services can help make the area safe and remove damaged material.
5. The Roots Are Damaged
A tree’s root system is responsible for much more than absorbing water and nutrients. It also anchors the tree into the ground.
Unfortunately, root problems aren’t always easy to see.
Construction, excavation, soil compaction, driveway installation, landscaping, erosion, and disease can all affect tree roots.
Possible signs of root trouble include thinning foliage, reduced growth, dead branches, exposed or damaged roots, mushrooms around the base, or a tree beginning to lean.
Because significant root damage can affect the stability of the entire tree, it’s worth having these symptoms professionally assessed rather than waiting to see what happens.
6. The Tree Is Too Close to a Structure
Sometimes a perfectly healthy tree is simply growing in the wrong location.
As trees mature, their branches and roots can begin interfering with homes, garages, fences, driveways, sidewalks, and other structures.
Large branches hanging over a roof may become hazardous during severe weather, while expanding roots can create problems around hardscaping and other areas of the property.
Removal isn’t automatically necessary just because a tree is close to your home. Professional pruning may be enough to manage the situation.
However, when the tree’s size, position, or growth creates an ongoing safety concern, removal may ultimately be the most practical solution.
7. The Tree Is Dead or Dying
A dead tree doesn’t necessarily fall immediately. It can remain standing for months or even years.
The problem is that its structure gradually becomes weaker.
Dead trees can lose branches without warning and may eventually become unable to withstand wind or storms.
Signs that a tree may be dying include significant canopy loss, brittle branches, peeling bark, extensive decay, and little or no new growth during the normal growing season.
If you suspect a large tree on your property is dead or dying, don’t wait for it to fall before having it assessed.
Should You Remove the Tree Yourself?
Removing a small sapling is very different from removing a mature tree.
Large-tree removal can involve considerable weight, unpredictable falling directions, chainsaws, climbing equipment, nearby buildings, fences, vehicles, and utility lines.
Trying to remove a hazardous tree without the appropriate equipment and experience can put both people and property at risk.
A professional tree removal company can assess the condition of the tree, determine the safest approach, and remove it in controlled sections when necessary.
Need Tree Removal in Texarkana, AR?
If you’ve noticed one or more of these warning signs, having the tree inspected early can help you understand your options before the situation becomes an emergency.
Hawkins Tree and Landscaping provides professional tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, emergency tree services, storm damage cleanup, and other tree care services throughout Texarkana and surrounding communities.
Our experienced team is licensed and insured and can assess the condition of your tree and recommend the right solution for your property.
Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tree after a storm, a dangerous tree close to your home, or simply aren’t sure whether a tree needs to come down, we’re here to help.
Contact Hawkins Tree and Landscaping today at (870) 330-9912 to request a free estimate for tree removal in Texarkana, AR and the surrounding area.