The last thing any homeowner wants is to be awoken by the terrifying sounds of a tree crashing to the ground somewhere around their property or, God forbid, on their house. That’s why, at Cowart Tree Service LLC, we offer 24-hour emergency tree removal services to homeowners and businesses throughout Athens, GA, and the surrounding area. Day or night, rain or shine — our team stands ready to provide quick and reliable tree removal at the first sign of trouble. But, how exactly do you know when a tree is hazardous and needs to be removed? We’ve got you covered! Below, our trusted local tree service company outlines six telltale signs that a tree needs to be removed for the safety of both people and property.

Need a tree removed? Don’t wait! Contact us today for professional tree removal or to get a free quote on our services!

1. A Tree Is Leaning To One Side

If a tree on your property suddenly starts leaning to one side, it will most likely need to be removed, especially if it’s leaning toward your home or any other buildings. This is because, when a tree develops a sudden lean to one side, it’s often an indication of some kind of structural failure beneath the ground. In particular, you should watch out for cracked soil around the tree’s base and pay attention to whether its lean worsens after rainfall. If you have a leaning tree, our tree removal specialists can help determine whether immediate removal is necessary!

2. Dead Or Hanging Tree Branches

There’s a good reason falling tree limbs are referred to as “widowmakers.” Dead or precariously hanging tree branches, especially big ones, pose serious risks to nearby people or property. There are two things you should keep in mind when it comes to dead branches. First, they need to be removed quickly, as one gust of wind could cause them to fall and potentially injure someone. Second, if all of the tree’s dead branches are on one side, it could be suffering from a structural issue and require tree removal services to prevent it from toppling over.

3. Branches Within Ten Feet Of Power Lines

Trees and all of their limbs need to be farther from power lines than you might suspect — at least ten feet away, in fact. If you have a tree with branches growing dangerously close to power lines, do not attempt to cut or trim its branches on your own. Trees near power lines are extremely dangerous and should be left to our experienced tree service technicians, who have the necessary gear and training to address this kind of problem safely. Also, while simple tree trimming services might solve this issue right now, many tree care professionals recommend removing the entire tree so you won’t have to schedule another emergency trim a couple of years down the line.

4. There’s Visible Damage To The Trunk

Cracks, splits, cavities, large swathes of missing bark, and other damage to a tree’s trunk significantly weaken its structural integrity, making it more likely to topple over and damage something. Unfortunately, trees with damaged trunks are often unsalvageable. We recommend inspecting your trees periodically for any indication of trunk damage. Also, keep an eye out for pests such as carpenter ants, which can hollow out your tree and affect its structural integrity.

5. Showing Signs Of Tree Disease

While some tree diseases can be treated, others necessitate a hasty removal to prevent them from spreading to nearby plants or causing the diseased tree to fall. Some signs of severe tree diseases include the following:

Fungal growth
Soft or hollow wood
Peeling bark
Oozing cankers or wounds
Foliage that changes color out of season
Swollen areas on a tree

If you have a tree that’s presenting any of the above symptoms, urgent tree removal may be the safest option.

6. Uprooted & Exposed Root Systems

A tree with uprooted or exposed roots is a serious problem, as it indicates the tree has lost its anchoring system and is at risk of coming down. Tree roots are most often exposed after heavy rain or when flooding erodes the soil. When exposed, they’re more susceptible to damage and far less effective at holding a tree to the ground. If you have a tree around your property that’s been uprooted or has an exposed root system, don’t hesitate to call us for prompt tree removal services!

We Offer 24-Hour Emergency Tree Services In Athens, GA!

Here at Cowart Tree Service LLC, we specialize in hazardous tree removal! With over 26 years of experience in the tree care industry, a stellar safety record, and 24/7 emergency tree removal, you can always count on our team to restore safety to your property quickly and efficiently. Dealing with a dangerous tree? Don’t wait — call our tree removal specialists now!