Should I Remove My Tree? A Homeowner’s Guide
Published: May 12, 2025 by USA Tree Experts
Should I remove my tree, or is it worth saving? This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Berlin, Wethersfield, and Newington. Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your home, but they can also become liabilities. Here’s how to know what to do next.
Should I Remove My Tree? Here’s How to Decide
Some tree issues are cosmetic. Others signal serious risk. Deciding whether or not to remove a tree can be emotional and confusing, especially when the tree has been on your property for decades. However, there are physical signs and risk factors that every homeowner should recognize.
- Leaning more than 15 degrees: A tree that suddenly begins to lean, or whose angle is increasing over time, likely has root instability. Leaning trees pose a significant risk to structures, power lines, and people.
- Large dead branches (widowmakers): These are branches that have died and are no longer connected firmly to the tree. They can fall at any time, often without wind, and are a major safety hazard.
- Trunk cracks or splits: Cracks can be superficial, but if they go deep and run along major limbs or the trunk, it indicates structural failure. This kind of damage often occurs after heavy snow or windstorms and should be inspected immediately.
- Rot or fungus at the base: The presence of mushrooms, spongy bark, or hollowed areas near the tree’s root collar usually means internal decay. This weakens the entire support system of the tree.
- History of storm damage: Trees that have lost limbs or suffered bark damage in past storms are more likely to fail in the future. Compromised trees become unpredictable over time.
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, the question isn’t just “should I remove my tree?” — it’s “how soon?” Our expert arborists can help you evaluate the urgency based on risk level and proximity to structures.
When a Tree Can Be Saved
Just because a tree looks bad doesn’t mean it needs to go. In fact, many homeowners who ask “should I remove my tree?” are surprised to learn it can be saved with professional care. Tree preservation is always our first goal whenever safety allows.
- Healthy leaf production: Even if part of the tree is struggling, vibrant leaf growth across most of the canopy shows that the vascular system is still functioning well.
- Correctable structure: Issues like codominant stems or crossing limbs can often be resolved with selective pruning or cabling techniques to reduce risk without full removal.
- Localized damage: Trees that have a single bad limb or damaged bark from yard equipment are often salvageable. Targeted trimming and wound dressing can help the tree compartmentalize the injury.
- Strong root system: If the tree is stable in the ground, with no signs of upheaval or shallow root exposure, it may only need aesthetic or preventive work rather than full removal.
We offer advanced diagnostics like resistance drilling and root inspections to make the call with confidence. See more about our tree trimming in Wethersfield to support recovery and growth.
Why Timely Action Matters
Waiting too long to act on a suspicious tree can lead to damage, liability, or costly emergency removal. Trees that show obvious signs of decline are more likely to fall during storms, causing property damage, injury, or service outages. And insurance companies may deny claims if they determine the tree was a known hazard you failed to address.
Beyond safety, waiting too long can also limit your options. A tree that could have been saved with pruning or soil correction may deteriorate to the point that removal becomes the only option. That’s why we offer prompt, honest evaluations in Berlin, Wethersfield, and Newington. We help you make proactive, informed decisions.
Know the Local Rules Before You Cut
Many Connecticut towns have ordinances regulating the removal of certain trees, especially in historic or preservation districts. Wethersfield, for example, includes the Webb-Deane-Stevens Historic District, where even landscaping changes can require review.
If you’re planning to remove a tree near the street or on a corner lot, you may also need to follow setback requirements or notify local authorities. Our team is familiar with the requirements in your town and can help you avoid fines, delays, or unnecessary headaches during your project.
How to Get Started
It starts with a conversation. Our team offers on-site evaluations and no-pressure consultations to help you decide the best path forward. Whether you’re concerned about a tree near a power line, above your driveway, or leaning over a neighbor’s property, we’ll assess it for structural integrity, risk level, and recovery potential.
We also provide documentation for insurance claims, permit applications, and HOA approvals. So if your next question is, “Should I remove my tree or call someone first?” — the answer is always: call someone first.
Conclusion: Get Expert Advice Before You Decide
Still wondering, should I remove my tree? Don’t leave it to guesswork. Whether you’re concerned about safety, property value, or town regulations, an expert opinion is your best first step. Even if you’re not ready to remove it now, you’ll leave the consultation with clarity and a plan.
Schedule your free tree inspection with USA Tree Experts today. We proudly serve Berlin, Wethersfield, and Newington with honest advice, fast response, and expert care.