How to Tell if a Tree Needs to Be Removed
Most homeowners love their trees and want to keep them as long as possible. Mature trees provide shade, beauty, and value that can’t be replaced overnight. With proper care—like pruning, cabling, and fertilization—many trees can be preserved for decades. But sometimes, keeping a tree simply isn’t the safest option.
In certain situations, removal is the most responsible decision for protecting your home, family, and property. Knowing the warning signs of a dangerous tree can help you act before an emergency occurs.
Warning Signs That a Tree May Need Removal
Not every problem means a tree has to come down, but certain symptoms indicate serious risks. If you notice any of the following, schedule a professional assessment right away:
Large Dead Sections – Significant amounts of deadwood in the canopy reduce stability and increase the chance of falling branches.
Deep Cracks in the Trunk – Structural cracks often signal advanced decay or splitting, making failure more likely.
Fungal Growth Around the Base – Mushrooms, conks, or other fungal bodies usually mean internal rot is progressing unseen.
Sudden Leaning – A tree that begins to lean—or leans more dramatically than before—may have compromised roots or soil support.
Root Problems – Uplifted soil, roots breaking sidewalks, or visible decay near the root collar are major red flags.
Overhanging Power Lines – Trees growing into or above power lines pose extreme safety hazards and require immediate professional attention.
In Calgary, frequent windstorms and heavy snowfalls can quickly turn borderline trees into dangerous liabilities. A tree that looks fine today could be hazardous tomorrow if hidden weaknesses are pushed past their limit.
The Hidden Dangers of “Healthy-Looking” Trees
One of the biggest misconceptions about trees is that they’re safe if they look green and leafy. In reality, trees can appear outwardly healthy while suffering from extensive internal decay. Hollow trunks, root rot, and structural weaknesses are often invisible to the untrained eye.
This is why professional evaluations are so important. What you see on the outside is only part of the picture.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
The safest way to decide whether a tree should be removed is with a Tree Risk Assessment performed by an ISA Certified Arborist—ideally one with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
TRAQ assessments use a standardized, science-based system to evaluate:
The likelihood of failure (whether the tree or its parts may break).
The consequences of failure (what or who could be harmed if it does).
The overall risk rating, which guides decisions about retaining, mitigating, or removing the tree.
Instead of relying on guesswork, you receive clear, professional recommendations backed by internationally recognized training.
Why DIY Tree Removal Is Dangerous
It may be tempting to attempt removal yourself, but tree work is one of the most dangerous professions in the world for good reason. DIY removals often lead to:
Unpredictable Falls – Even small trees can shift weight suddenly, dropping branches or trunks in unintended directions.
Chainsaw Accidents – Chainsaws require advanced skill; thousands of people are injured annually from misuse.
Ladder Falls – Climbing without safety gear is extremely hazardous, especially in icy or unstable conditions.
Electrocution Risks – Trees near power lines are especially dangerous and should never be handled without professional training.
Attempting tree removal without proper training and equipment is gambling with both safety and property.
Why Hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
Hiring a Certified Arborist ensures the job is completed safely, legally, and to professional standards. Key benefits include:
Expert Knowledge – Correctly diagnosing whether a tree needs removal or can be saved.
Safe Techniques – Using rigging, climbing systems, and specialized equipment to control falling limbs.
Insurance Protection – Certified professionals carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, protecting homeowners from liability.
Compliance with Calgary Bylaws – Arborists understand local regulations, including restrictions on elm pruning and removal permits.
Replanting Guidance – Advising on suitable replacement species to maintain the long-term beauty and function of your landscape.
A professional approach not only minimizes risk but also ensures you continue to benefit from trees on your property.
Planning for the Future: Replacement Planting
While removal can feel disappointing, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your landscape’s beauty. Arborists can help you choose and plant replacement trees that are hardy in Calgary’s climate, suited to your property’s size, and less likely to cause structural or safety concerns in the future.
Common resilient choices for Calgary include bur oak, white spruce, lodgepole pine, and amur maple. Planting today ensures your yard continues to thrive for decades to come.
The Bottom Line: Safety Comes First
Trees are valuable living investments, but safety always comes first. When signs of serious decay, structural instability, or root failure are present, removal is often the best and only option.
With the help of an ISA Certified Arborist—ideally with TRAQ certification—you’ll receive a clear, science-based evaluation that balances risk, safety, and long-term value.
