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Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Removal

Professional Tree Removal Service

Trees are beautiful and beneficial additions to any landscape. They offer shade, improve air quality, and enhance your property’s curb appeal. However, there comes a time when a tree can go from being a valuable asset to a dangerous liability. Whether due to age, disease, or storm damage, some trees must be removed for the safety of your home, your family, and your neighbors.

But how do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals for tree removal in Pensacola? In this article, we’ll explore 7 clear warning signs of tree failure and why it’s crucial to act quickly when these issues arise.


1. The Tree is Dead or Dying

A dead tree is more than just an eyesore—it’s a serious hazard. Dead trees are unstable and likely to drop limbs or fall entirely, especially during storms or high winds. Signs of a dead or dying tree include:

  • Brittle or leafless branches (outside of dormant seasons)
  • Bark falling off in large sections
  • No new buds or foliage during the growing season
  • Fungal growth at the base or trunk

If you’re unsure whether your tree is truly dead or just stressed, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional. Dead trees should be scheduled for hazardous tree removal as soon as possible to prevent damage or injury.

👉 Helpful Resource: How Do You Decide When to Remove a Tree?


2. Visible Signs of Disease or Pest Infestation

Trees that are infected or infested can quickly decline and infect nearby healthy trees. Common tree disease symptoms include:

  • Discolored, spotted, or wilted leaves
  • Mushroom or fungal growth along the trunk or roots
  • Oozing sap or foul smells
  • Noticeable insect activity such as boring holes

Diseased trees are structurally compromised and often beyond saving. Learn more about tree disease symptoms to catch the early signs—and if the damage is extensive, professional removal may be necessary.


3. Leaning or Uprooting

Not all leaning trees need to be removed—but if the lean is sudden, worsening, or accompanied by exposed roots, the tree may be at high risk of falling.

Signs of serious structural instability:

  • The tree is leaning more than 15 degrees
  • The soil around the base is cracked or heaving
  • Visible root damage or exposed roots

In Florida, where storms and heavy winds are common, leaning trees are a major concern. Don’t wait for it to fall—call for hazardous tree removal right away.


4. Large Dead or Broken Limbs

A tree with large dead limbs is not only unhealthy—it’s dangerous. These limbs can fall during storms or even on calm days, damaging your roof, vehicles, fences, or worse—causing injury.

Watch for:

  • Limbs with no leaves during the growing season
  • Branches with visible cracks
  • Large limbs hanging or dangling

If your tree has multiple dead limbs or is shedding large branches regularly, it may be time to consider professional tree removal.


5. Trunk Cracks, Splits, or Cavities

The trunk is the backbone of a tree. If it’s compromised, the entire tree could fail. Cracks, cavities, and large wounds in the trunk are serious warning signs that the tree may no longer be structurally sound.

Warning signs include:

  • Vertical or horizontal cracks in the bark
  • Cavities or hollows, especially if large
  • Signs of decay, including soft, spongy wood

These are all red flags for signs of tree failure in Florida, especially after hurricanes or high winds.


6. Root Damage or Soil Heaving

A tree’s stability depends heavily on its root system. Construction projects, nearby excavation, and changes in drainage can all impact roots.

Common signs of root issues:

  • Soil raised or cracked around the base
  • Fungal growth or mushrooms near the roots
  • Nearby sidewalks or driveways lifting

Root damage is often irreversible, and trees with compromised root systems are more likely to fall during bad weather. In these cases, tree removal in Pensacola is often the safest course of action.

👉 Helpful Resource: Florida Guidelines for Removing Trees


7. Storm Damage

Living in Florida means dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes—and your trees take the brunt of it. After a major storm, it’s crucial to inspect your trees for damage such as:

  • Split or cracked branches
  • Partially uprooted trees
  • Hanging limbs or broken tops
  • Trunk damage

Even if your tree is still standing, storm damage can weaken its structure and make it unsafe over time. That’s why post-storm inspections and emergency tree removal are essential parts of maintaining a safe landscape.

If you suspect a tree is compromised after a storm, visit our tree removal services page to learn how we can help.


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Looking for safe and reliable tree care in Pensacola and Northwest Florida?

Holston Tree Service handles everything from trimming to removals — with safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Request your free quote today or call 850-572-9863.


Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Remove a Hazardous Tree

Delaying necessary tree removal can lead to:

  • Property damage to homes, fences, or vehicles
  • Injury to people or pets
  • Increased cost from emergency removals
  • Liability issues if a neighbor’s property is affected

Preventative action is always safer—and often cheaper—than waiting until the tree fails. If you’re unsure whether your tree needs to go, Holston Tree Service can provide an expert evaluation and a clear plan of action.


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Ready to take care of your trees the right way?

Don’t wait until small problems become big (and expensive) ones. Trust the certified professionals at Holston Tree Service for safe, reliable, and affordable tree care in Pensacola and Northwest Florida.

Call us today at 850-572-9863 or request a free quote to schedule your tree service.

About the Authors

Mike Holston & Amanda Holston are the husband-and-wife team behind Holston Tree Service, serving Pensacola and Northwest Florida with expert tree removal, trimming, and storm cleanup.

Mike oversees operations and customer care, while Amanda is ISA TRAQ-Certified and an ISA Certified Arborist, bringing specialized training in Tree Risk Assessment and advanced pruning prescription plans to every project.

Proudly serving Pensacola, Cantonment, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Molino, Jay, and Pace with certified tree care and 24/7 emergency service.

Holston Tree Service