7 Signs a Tree Needs to Be Removed ASAP

Trees add beauty, value, and shade to your property—but when a tree becomes a hazard, it can pose a serious threat to your home, safety, and even your community. In Prescott, where monsoon storms, drought stress, and wildfire risks are part of the environment, it’s essential to recognize when a tree has reached the point of no return.

Here are seven urgent warning signs that indicate it’s time to call a professional tree service to assess and likely remove the tree.

1. The Tree Is Leaning Suddenly or Severely

While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden or increasing lean, especially after a storm or heavy rainfall, is a serious red flag. Leaning trees are often unstable due to root damage or shifting soil, and they’re at high risk of falling. If the tree is leaning toward your home, driveway, or power lines, don’t wait—get it assessed immediately.

2. Major Branches Are Dead or Falling

Large dead branches, especially in the upper canopy, are dangerous. Known as “widowmakers,” these limbs can fall without warning, injuring people or damaging property below. If you notice multiple dead or decaying limbs, it may be a sign that the entire tree is in decline, and removal may be safer than continued pruning.

3. Visible Root Damage or Uprooting

Roots are a tree’s anchor. If you see mushrooms growing around the base, cracked or heaving soil, or exposed roots pulling up from the ground, the tree may be unstable. Storms or saturated soil during monsoon season can weaken the root system, increasing the risk of uprooting.

4. The Trunk Is Cracked, Hollow, or Splitting

A tree’s trunk is its core. Vertical cracks, deep splits, or hollow sections can be structural indicators that the tree is failing from the inside out. Sometimes, damage is hidden beneath the bark. If you spot decay, open cavities, or missing bark (also called “bark sloughing”), the tree’s strength is compromised.

5. It’s Diseased Beyond Recovery

Some diseases can be treated early, but advanced infections like oak wilt, root rot, or Seridium canker often lead to full decline. Signs of a sick tree include:



• Yellowing or spotted leaves out of season
  
  
• Peeling bark or cankers on the trunk
  
  
• Wilting or dieback in the crown
  
  
• Pest infestations like bark beetles
  
  

If disease has spread through the tree or to others nearby, prompt removal may be the only option to stop the spread.

6. It’s Too Close to Structures or Power Lines

Trees growing too close to your home, fence, or overhead utilities may need to be removed—especially if they’re already weakened or too large to safely prune. In some cases, roots can also damage foundations, sidewalks, or underground pipes.

If utility companies have flagged a tree as hazardous, don’t delay. Waiting too long can lead to fines or emergency outages.

7. The Tree Was Damaged in a Storm

Prescott’s monsoon season often leaves behind broken limbs, twisted trunks, and trees struck by lightning. While some storm damage is manageable, a tree that’s lost over 50% of its canopy, has splintered limbs, or is tilting at the base may not recover. Acting quickly can prevent it from becoming a hazard in the next storm.

Don’t Wait Until It Falls

Ignoring the signs of a failing tree can result in costly property damage—or worse, personal injury. The good news? A certified arborist can evaluate the tree’s condition and help you make the safest choice for your home and landscape.



At Clear Creek Tree Services, we specialize in hazard assessments, emergency removals, and sustainable tree care tailored to Prescott’s climate. We’ll never remove a healthy tree without good reason—but if it’s a danger, we’ll take care of it safely and responsibly.

Concerned about a tree on your property?

Schedule a tree risk assessment with Clear Creek Tree Services today.
Let us give you peace of mind—before the next storm rolls in.