Having trees in the yard is beneficial; however, there are instances where you must resort to tree removal. If you need help removing a tree in your yard and are based in St. Petersburg, Florida, you have come to the right place. Here at Nitro Home Maintenance, we will share a blog post discussing the signs that indicate you need to remove a tree from your yard. Keep reading to find out more information.

To determine whether your tree needs to be removed, you should consult a tree expert for a diagnosis. If the tree needs to be removed, ask a professional to do it for you. DIY tree removal projects are not advisable for those without experience in safely removing trees. To prevent any safety risks, you must ask a professional like Nitro Home Maintenance to do the job safely. This way, you can prevent any accidents or injuries on the site. Here are some signs to watch out for to determine if some of your trees need to be removed from your yard.

Signs That You Need to Remove a Tree

A man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw for Junk Removal Florida.

The Tree is Damaged or Decayed

A damaged or decayed tree means that its structural integrity is weakened and compromised. Allowing this tree to stay will only increase safety risks, especially if you have small children and pets, and if the tree is near your home.

Check out the following signs of a damaged or decayed tree:

  • Visible cracks in the trunk
  • Inconsistent peeling around the bark
  • Dead branches
  • Wounds and open cavities on different areas of the tree trunk
  • Large damage to the trunk
  • The tree is split due to a lightning strike

If your area recently experienced a big storm and some of your trees were damaged, you must inspect them. A professional can help you assess the damage and determine if the tree needs to be removed for safety reasons.

If you need assistance with tree removal in St. Petersburg, Florida, contact Nitro Home Maintenance. We ensure safe and professional tree removal services to prevent any potential hazards.

Hollow Tree

A man is climbing a tree for removal in Florida on a rope.

If there is a hole in the tree trunk, it could indicate that the tree is weak and experiencing internal decay. Are the branches and limbs falling? These can expose hollow cavities, often used by critters as homes. If you see any birds or squirrels living in your trees, it could be a sign that the tree is hollow. Call an expert to check if the tree is healthy or if it is no longer viable and must be removed immediately.

Hollow trees are not always obvious. You can check for hollowness by lightly tapping different areas of the tree using a rubber mallet. If you’re unsure, ask a tree care expert to inspect the tree.

Dead Branches

Is the tree full of dead branches? It could be a sign of disease or pest infestation. A single dead branch should not cause alarm; you can prune the tree and remove some of its branches. However, if the tree has several dead branches, it could signify an underlying problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

To check if the branches are dead, inspect them:

  • Intact and Attached: Live branches are firmly attached to the trunk.
  • Flexibility: Live branches are flexible, while dead branches snap easily.
  • Leaves and Buds: Live branches will have leaves and buds growing during springtime.
  • Scraping Test: Try scraping the branch; if the layer underneath is green, it is alive.

Dead branches can fall easily, posing a safety hazard. A strong gust of wind can send them falling. Heavy rain or snow can cause dead branches to snap off and fall on unsuspecting people or animals below.

Additionally, check if some branches rub together. This can create open wounds, making the tree prone to diseases and pest infestations.

The Tree Has a Disease

A man cutting a tree stump with a chainsaw for Tree Removal services in Florida.

Inspect the tree for suspicious mushrooms growing at the base. Fungi on a tree often indicate disease. Some tree diseases can be treated, but others can be fatal to the affected tree and may even infect nearby trees.

Other signs of tree disease include:

  • Wilted, falling, or discolored leaves
  • Deep depressions in the trunk
  • Scabs on the fruits
  • Stunted growth
  • Bleeding wounds on the trunk

The Tree Is Dying or Dead

If a tree is dying or dead, a tree expert can help confirm it. Once confirmed dead, the tree must be removed as it poses safety risks. A tree care expert can save a diseased tree but cannot revive a dead one.

Signs of a dead or dying tree include:

  • No leaves or buds during spring
  • The trunk is leaning significantly to one side
  • All branches are dead
  • Signs of disease or pest infestation

The Tree Is Leaning to One Side

A man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw for Tree Removal Florida.

It is normal for a tree to have a slight lean, especially if one side is heavier. However, a sudden, dramatic lean indicates a safety threat as the tree’s structural integrity is compromised.

Call a tree expert if the tree develops a new lean or if its lean is causing it to be uprooted. A leaning tree could be decaying or suffering from severe damage.

The Tree Is in a Dangerous Location

Even a healthy tree can pose a risk if it’s located too close to your home, power lines, or other structures. Removing such a tree can prevent potential damage from branches falling on roofs or power lines, which could lead to fires or other hazards.

The Tree Has a Pest Infestation

A man crouching down in the woods near a tent, overseeing property cleanout activities.

Trees infested with pests like the emerald ash borer can die and potentially infect other trees in the vicinity. Some insects only target dead or dying trees, indicating underlying issues that require immediate attention.

Signs of pest infestation include:

  • Big silky tents on the branches
  • Round exit holes
  • Zig-zag tunnels on the trunk
  • Visible larvae
  • Stunted growth
  • Insect eggs
  • Extensive leaf damage

You Have Invasive Trees in Your Yard

Invasive tree species can harm the environment by overpowering native trees, affecting biodiversity, and disrupting the ecosystem. These trees should be removed to protect the local environment.

Examples of invasive tree species include:

  • Black locust
  • Bradford pear trees
  • Chinaberry trees
  • Chinese tallow
  • Mimosa or silk tree
  • Tree of heaven
  • White poplar

The Tree Is Showing Signs of Root Rot

A man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw for Tree Removal Florida.

A tree with rotted roots poses a significant safety risk and can no longer be saved. While treatments may halt the infection, a tree expert will likely recommend removal.

Since root rot affects underground parts, identifying it can be challenging. Look for these signs:

  • Poor or stunted tree growth
  • Weak and decayed branches
  • Wilted leaves
  • Thinning of the canopy
  • Fungi growing on the roots
  • Multiple wounds on the trunk

Need Tree Removal Services?

Is your yard full of trees that need to be removed? If you live in St. Petersburg, Florida, you can rely on Nitro Home Maintenance. We are a family-owned business offering demolition, junk removal, junk hauling, and tree maintenance services. For more information, please contact us at 727-317-7404 or email us at nick@nitromaintenance.com. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!