How Do I Know If a Tree Needs to Be Removed?

Written By Brandon Farey

Trees rarely fail without warning, especially in Central Texas.

In Round Rock, most dangerous tree removals begin the same way. A homeowner notices something slightly off. A lean after a storm. Soil cracking near the base. A section of canopy thinning faster than expected during summer heat.

The question isn’t whether the tree is “ugly.”
It’s whether it’s becoming structurally unsafe.

Here’s how to tell.

1. The Tree Is Leaning More Than It Used To

A gradual lean isn’t always a problem. A sudden lean is.

In Round Rock’s expansive clay soil, roots can loosen after heavy rain, then dry out and shift again during extreme heat. When wind hits afterward, the tree’s stability is compromised.

Warning signs include:

  • Fresh soil upheaval near the roots

  • Visible root exposure

  • A lean toward your home, driveway, or fence

  • Cracks forming in the ground on one side of the trunk

If the lean increases after a storm, removal may be safer than corrective trimming.

2. Large Dead Limbs in the Upper Canopy

Dead limbs aren’t just cosmetic.

Live oaks and cedar elms common in Round Rock grow wide and heavy. When upper limbs die from drought stress or disease, they become wind hazards.

Look for:

  • Branches with no leaves during growing season

  • Bark falling off in large sections

  • Hollow or brittle sounds when tapped

  • Limbs hanging over roofs or vehicles

In many cases, strategic trimming solves the problem. But when structural limbs are compromised, removal may be necessary to prevent failure.

3. The Tree Has Trunk Splits or Structural Cracks

Texas storms can split trees vertically without fully separating them.

If you see:

  • Deep cracks along the trunk

  • A V-shaped split forming

  • Bark separating in large strips

  • A visible cavity in the trunk

The tree may be structurally weakened beyond repair.

Once the main trunk integrity is compromised, removal is often the safest long-term solution.

4. Signs of Oak Wilt or Advanced Disease

Oak wilt is a serious concern in Central Texas, especially for live oaks in established neighborhoods.

Early signs include:

  • Rapid leaf discoloration (veins remain green while tissue browns)

  • Sudden canopy thinning

  • Leaves dropping prematurely

If caught early, treatment may be possible.
But advanced oak wilt can spread underground through root systems and weaken entire tree clusters.

When disease reaches structural levels, removal prevents further spread and protects surrounding trees.

5. Roots Are Affecting Your Slab or Hardscaping

Round Rock homes are built primarily on slab foundations.

Large tree roots can:

  • Lift sidewalks

  • Crack driveways

  • Interfere with fencing

  • Increase soil moisture fluctuation near foundations

If a tree is planted too close to your home and roots are expanding aggressively, removal may prevent costly structural repairs later.

Foundation damage almost always costs more than preventative tree removal.

6. The Tree Was Severely Damaged in a Storm

After heavy wind, rain or lightning:

  • Is more than 40% of the canopy gone?

  • Is the trunk partially split?

  • Are major limbs broken near the core?

When significant canopy mass is lost, the tree may no longer balance weight correctly. That imbalance increases future failure risk.

In these cases, removal is often the safest option.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If you’re unsure, that’s the point to call.

Many homeowners wait until:

  • The tree is visibly collapsing

  • A branch damages something

  • Insurance becomes involved

A professional inspection identifies:

  • Structural instability

  • Root failure risk

  • Disease progression

  • Whether trimming is sufficient or full removal is necessary

Early assessment almost always saves money.

The Bottom Line

Not every tree that looks imperfect needs to be removed.

But in Round Rock, with clay soil, intense heat, and unpredictable storms, small warning signs can escalate quickly.

If you notice leaning, cracking, dead canopy sections, or root movement near your home, it’s worth having the tree evaluated before the next major storm.

Prevention is almost always less expensive than emergency removal.

Need a Professional Opinion?

If you’re questioning a tree on your property, schedule a tree removal inspection in Round Rock before storm season arrives.

It’s better to make the decision calmly, not during high winds. Call us today at (737) 214-0464.

Brandon Farey