7 Warning Signs a Tree Needs to Be Removed (Before It's Too Late)

Trees add enormous value to your Orlando property — shade, curb appeal, privacy, and even cooling effects. But a dying or structurally compromised tree is a serious liability. In Central Florida, where afternoon storms, high winds, and saturated soils are common, a weak tree can become a dangerous projectile overnight.

Here are the 7 warning signs that a tree may need to be removed — and what to do if you spot them.

1. Dead or Hanging Branches

Dead branches — often called "widow-makers" by arborists — are one of the leading causes of tree-related injuries and property damage. If large sections of your tree have no leaves during growing season, or if you notice dry, brittle branches that crack and fall without wind, the tree may be in serious decline.

A few dead branches in an otherwise healthy tree can sometimes be pruned. But if more than 25–30% of the canopy is dead, removal is usually the recommended course of action.

2. Significant or Sudden Leaning

A tree that has always grown at a gentle lean often has structural adaptations to support that angle. But a tree that has recently begun to lean — especially after heavy rain or wind — is a red flag. Sudden leaning typically indicates root failure or structural breakage underground.

If you notice fresh soil heaving near the base of the tree, or if the lean has increased noticeably over a short period, have it assessed immediately. In Orlando's rainy season, saturated soil dramatically increases the risk of root failure.

3. Hollow or Rotted Trunk

A tree doesn't have to be dead to fall. Trees can survive for years with significant internal decay — but they become structurally unsound and prone to catastrophic failure. Signs of trunk decay include:

• Visible cavities or holes in the trunk
• Soft, spongy wood when you press on the bark
• Mushrooms or fungal conks growing at the base or on the trunk
• Peeling or crumbling bark exposing dark, wet wood underneath

As a general rule, if more than 30–40% of the interior wood is hollow or decayed, the tree is a removal candidate regardless of how healthy the canopy looks.

4. Damaged or Exposed Roots

Roots are a tree's foundation. If you notice roots that are visibly damaged — severed by construction, rotted, or lifting out of the soil — the tree's stability is compromised.

In Orlando and Central Florida, construction projects, utility line installation, and even lawn mowing can damage surface roots. Compacted soil from foot traffic or parking near trees is another common culprit. A tree with significant root loss may stand for years, but it becomes increasingly vulnerable to wind events.

5. Signs of Disease or Pest Infestation

Florida's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for tree diseases and pests. Watch for:

• Laurel wilt disease — affects laurel oaks and redbays; causes rapid wilting and death
• Oak decline — gradual die-off of limbs from the tips inward
• Hypoxylon canker — a fungal disease that appears as silver, tan, or gray crusty patches on the bark; lethal and contagious to neighboring trees
• Bark beetle infestation — tiny holes in bark with sawdust-like frass; often indicates a tree is already weakened
• Phytophthora root rot — causes wilting, yellowing, and decline; common in poorly drained Florida soils

If a disease or pest is caught early, treatment may save the tree. But if it has spread significantly, removal is often necessary — and prompt removal can protect neighboring trees.

6. Multiple Trunks with Cracks or Splits

Trees with two or more main trunks (called "co-dominant stems") are structurally weaker at the union point. If you see a V-shaped union between major trunks — especially with visible bark inclusion (bark trapped between the trunks) — that junction is a weak point prone to splitting during storms.

If there's already a visible crack or split at the junction, the tree is a serious risk and should be evaluated immediately by a certified arborist.

7. Location Near Structures, Power Lines, or High-Traffic Areas

Sometimes a tree doesn't need to be diseased or dying to warrant removal. Location matters enormously in Orlando:

• A large tree overhanging your roof is a storm season liability, even if it's healthy
• Roots encroaching on your foundation, sewer lines, or driveway cause expensive damage
• Trees growing into power lines are extremely dangerous and typically require coordination with your utility company
• Trees in high-traffic areas — near driveways, playgrounds, or walkways — have a lower acceptable risk threshold

What To Do If You Spot These Warning Signs

Don't wait and hope the problem resolves itself — it won't. Here's what to do:

1. Don't park vehicles or let people stand near the tree until it's been assessed
2. Call a certified arborist for an honest evaluation — we'll tell you if the tree can be saved or if removal is the right call
3. Act before storm season — removing a dangerous tree before June is far safer and often less expensive than emergency removal after a storm
4. Check your homeowner's insurance — if a tree is a documented hazard and you fail to remove it, your insurer may deny storm damage claims

If you've spotted any of these warning signs on a tree at your Orlando property, call us at 863-356-7534 for a free assessment. We'll give you an honest evaluation and a clear recommendation — and if removal is needed, a free estimate on the spot.