Signs You Need Tree Removal Services in Eugene, OR

Maintaining healthy trees is essential for the safety and beauty of your property. However, when a tree becomes diseased, damaged, or unstable, it may require professional tree removal services in Eugene, OR. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to property damage or even personal injury. In this article, we’ll discuss the key indicators that your tree needs removal and why hiring a professional like Hodgson Tree Service Inc. is the best choice.

10 Signs You Need Tree Removal Services in Eugene, OR Before It's Too Late

Leaning or Unstable Tree

A tree that suddenly begins to lean is a major red flag. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden tilt—especially after a storm—could indicate root damage or soil instability. If the lean is severe (more than 15 degrees), the tree may be at risk of falling.

What to do:

• Check for exposed roots or cracked soil near the base.
• If the tree is near your home, driveway, or power lines, contact a professional immediately.

Hollow or Decaying Trunk

A hollow trunk doesn’t always mean a tree needs removal, but extensive decay weakens its structural integrity. If more than 30% of the trunk is hollow or soft, the tree could collapse without warning.

Signs of decay:

• Mushrooms or fungus growing at the base
• Large cracks or cavities in the trunk
• Peeling bark with no regrowth

If you notice these symptoms, our comprehensive tree services can help determine if removal is necessary.

Dead or Falling Branches

A few dead branches can be pruned, but excessive deadwood is a sign of a dying tree. If large branches frequently fall, the tree may no longer be stable.

Warning signs:

• Branches without leaves during the growing season
• Brittle, dry wood that snaps easily
• Sudden branch drop (a condition where healthy-looking limbs fall unexpectedly)

Regular tree maintenance can prevent hazards, but if the tree is beyond saving, removal may be the safest option.

Root Damage or Fungal Growth

Roots are the foundation of a tree’s health. If they’re damaged by construction, disease, or pests, the tree may become unstable.

Indicators of root problems:

• Mushrooms or fungal growth around the base
• Soil heaving (raised soil on one side)
• Thinning canopy or stunted growth

Since root issues aren’t always visible, a professional inspection is crucial.

Pest Infestations

Insects like bark beetles, carpenter ants, and emerald ash borers can destroy a tree from the inside. If left untreated, infestations can spread to nearby healthy trees.

Common pests in Eugene, OR:

• Bark beetles (leave small holes and sawdust-like frass)
• Emerald ash borers (cause D-shaped exit holes)
• Carpenter ants (indicate internal decay)

If pests have severely damaged your tree, removal may be necessary to protect your landscape.

Tree Disease

Diseases like Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, or sudden oak death can kill trees quickly. Early detection is key, but advanced cases often require removal.

Symptoms of disease:

• Discolored or spotted leaves
• Oozing sap or cankers on the bark
• Rapid dieback of branches

Our team can diagnose tree diseases and recommend the best course of action.

Proximity to Structures or Power Lines

Trees growing too close to buildings, fences, or utility lines pose a significant risk. If pruning isn’t enough to manage growth, removal may be the safest solution.

When to consider removal:

• Roots are damaging foundations or sidewalks
• Branches interfere with power lines
• The tree is too large for its location

Storm Damage and Split Trunks

Severe weather in Eugene, including windstorms and heavy snow, can cause significant tree damage. A split trunk or large broken limbs may compromise the tree’s stability.

Signs of storm damage:

• Large cracks running through the trunk
• Major limbs torn from the tree
• Uprooted roots or tilting after a storm

If a tree has sustained severe storm damage, immediate removal may be necessary to prevent further hazards.

Excessive Leaf Loss or Discoloration

While seasonal leaf drop is normal, premature or excessive leaf loss can indicate deeper health issues.

Possible causes:

• Drought stress (common in Eugene summers)
• Nutrient deficiencies (yellowing leaves)
• Fungal infections (black spots or powdery mildew)

If the tree fails to recover after proper care, removal might be the only option.

Previous Lightning Strikes

Lightning can cause hidden internal damage, even if the tree appears fine externally. Over time, the tree may weaken and become hazardous.

Signs of lightning damage:

• Vertical cracks in the bark
• Burn marks or stripped bark
• Sudden decline in tree health

A professional arborist should assess lightning-damaged trees to determine if removal is needed.

A professional arborist should assess lightning-damaged trees to determine if removal is needed.

With years of experience in Eugene, OR we provide:

Don’t wait until a hazardous tree causes damage—contact us today for a free assessment!