4 Min Read

Signs That You Need to Have Your Tree Removed

Jul 8, 2025 12:00:00 PM

Man with chainsaw cutting down a tree in Wilmington, DE

Trees are one of the most beautiful parts of any landscape. They offer shade, improve air quality, support wildlife, and add significant curb appeal to your property. Here in Delaware, where rich, loamy soil creates ideal growing conditions, trees often flourish for decades. But like anything living, trees can get sick, injured, or outgrow their space, posing safety risks and liability.

Tree removal in Wilmington is sometimes necessary to protect your home, family, and neighbors. Understanding when to cut down trees can save lives and prevent costly damage. If unsure, here's what to look for and why expert help matters.

When should you cut down a tree on your property?

Knowing when to cut down trees is about more than just appearances; it’s about safety. A diseased or structurally unstable tree may fall without warning, especially during a storm. A weakened tree can destroy fences, smash cars, damage homes, and, tragically, cause injury or death.

There are specific signs that a tree needs to be removed, and recognizing these can make all the difference. Waiting too long can turn a manageable issue into an emergency. If you’re wondering when to take a tree down, keep reading.

1. Dead Branches and Leaves

One of the clearest signs that a tree needs to be cut down is the presence of dead or dying branches. That might seem obvious, but it can be difficult to know what to look for.

Look for:

Branches with no leaves at all
Branches with dry, dead foliage
Uneven or stunted growth on one side of the tree

This could mean only parts of the tree are compromised, or it may be systemic. Fungus, pests, disease, or past storm damage may be to blame. Removal is often the safest option if more than 50% of the tree appears dead.

2. Tree Develops a Lean

A straight tree that begins to lean is an urgent red flag. This is something to note and pay attention to. It doesn't mean that it's turning into a famous tower in Italy. Instead, it could mean:

Root instability
Soil erosion
Storm-related damage
Structural failure

Sudden or increasing lean? It's time to contact the First State Tree Service, LLC team. In some cases, trees can be saved with bracing or support. In other cases, especially where people or property are at risk, tree removal in Wilmington becomes necessary. In extreme cases or with large trees, we may recommend crane-assisted tree removal to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

3. Fungus Growing at the Base

Fungi like mushrooms or conks around the base often mean internal rot. While trees can sometimes survive external blemishes, internal decay weakens the trunk’s structure, making it brittle and prone to collapse.

This is a serious sign that a tree needs to be removed, especially when combined with other warning signs like soft bark or hollow areas.

4. Shoots Growing at the Base

Shoots (or suckers) at the base of the trunk are a stress signal. They indicate that the tree is struggling, often due to root damage or environmental stress. These shoots steal energy from the tree’s core, speeding up decline.

While pruning can help, it’s a good time to have an expert assess when to remove a tree or whether care can reverse the damage.

5. Cracks and Cankers in the Trunk

Cankers are sunken or discolored areas on the bark, often due to fungal infections. Cracks may result from internal decay or mechanical injury. Both are danger signs. Cankers weaken the tree's immune system. Cracks compromise stability. A large crack, especially one that runs vertically down the trunk, is a common reason professionals recommend tree service in Wilmington, DE.

When should you Be Concerned About a Tree?

Not every tree that looks off needs removal. So, when should you be concerned about a tree? Here’s when to take action:

It’s near power lines or structures
Roots are breaking through the surface
The tree is noticeably hollow
Bark is falling off in large patches
Animals are nesting in crevices or trunk wounds
There's visible heaving in the soil around it

If you spot any of these signs, don’t wait. The safest route is to contact an expert for tree removal in Wilmington, DE. Our team is ready and willing to help you remove any trees and work through other needs.

FAQs about tree removal in Wilmington, DE

We know there are plenty of questions about tree trimming and removal in Wilmington, so we've built an FAQs section for you to browse when you have questions or concerns about the process. Use these questions to help guide your decisions and set your yard up for success with the right trees removed at the right time.

When is the Best Time to Cut Down a Tree?

Timing can impact how safely and efficiently a tree can be removed. So, when is the best time to cut down a tree? Generally, late winter to early spring is considered the best time to cut a tree down. During dormancy, trees are lighter without their full foliage and less likely to suffer from shock. Frozen or firm ground also causes less damage to the surrounding landscaping and turf.

However, emergencies don’t follow calendars. If a tree is leaning, cracking, or clearly rotting, the right time is now. Waiting for the “ideal” season can increase the danger. When deciding when to remove a tree, it often comes down to balancing urgency with safety. Our team will help you decide whether immediate action is needed or if it can wait until the off-season.

What are the reasons for removing a tree?

Let's look at a quick list of reasons, which you can reference whenever needed. While emergency removals often get the most attention, there are several valid reasons to remove a tree, including:

It's planted too close to a home or structure
It's outgrown its space and causes property damage
It casts too much shade on gardens or grass
It’s blocking planned construction
It's harboring pests like carpenter ants or termites

Understanding when to cut down a tree on your property often involves more than just safety. Sometimes, it's about landscape health, sunlight balance, or future design plans. Our cost guide can help you decide what's right for you.

Your Local Tree Service

At First State Tree Service, LLC, we proudly provide expert tree services in Wilmington, Delaware, and surrounding areas. As a locally owned company with a certified arborist on staff, we understand the unique challenges of Delaware’s trees and landscapes. All our services are designed to help you keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

Whether it’s a sick tree, storm damage, or routine trimming, we offer safe and professional options curated to your property. From land lot clearing to stump grinding, we handle it all carefully. We treat every yard like it’s our own, keeping your trees healthy, your property safe, and your landscape looking its best.