5 Signs that it’s Time to Fell a Tree
At Green Cycle Trees, we’re passionate about preserving trees whenever possible—but we also know when a tree poses too much of a risk to remain. If you’ve been wondering whether that towering tree in your yard is still safe, here are five key signs that it might be time to call in the experts for tree felling.
The Tree is Dead or Dying
A dead tree may still be standing, but it’s no longer stable. Once a tree dies, its internal structure begins to break down. Branches become brittle, the trunk weakens, and the roots start to decay. Eventually, gravity wins—and when that happens, your home, vehicle, or garden could be in the line of fire.
- No leaves during growing seasons
- Bark peeling off or falling away
- Large dead branches or a hollow trunk
- Fungi growing around the base
A dead tree won’t heal or regenerate. The longer you wait to have it removed, the greater the risk of it collapsing without warning.
It’s Leaning—More Than It Used To
Some trees naturally grow at an angle, especially if they’ve been reaching for sunlight. But if a previously upright tree starts to lean—or its tilt becomes noticeably worse over time—it could be a sign of root damage or structural instability.
- Exposed roots or soil movement around the base
- Cracks in the ground near the trunk
- A recent storm or heavy rainfall causing a sudden shift
Leaning trees can fall without notice, especially during high winds or bad weather. Professional tree felling is often necessary to prevent serious property damage or injury.
It’s Damaged Beyond Repair
Storms, lightning, high winds, and other natural events can wreak havoc on even the healthiest trees. If your tree has lost a large limb, sustained deep trunk cracks, or suffered extensive root trauma, it may not recover.
While pruning can help mitigate minor damage, major structural issues often call for full removal.
- Splintered or split trunks
- Multiple broken limbs on one side
- Uprooted sections or destabilised roots
It’s Too Close to Structures or Power Lines
As trees grow, their branches and roots can encroach on buildings, walls, driveways, and utility lines. What started as a cute little sapling can become a massive hazard a decade later.
Roots can crack foundations or disrupt plumbing, while branches overhanging roofs or power lines pose fire and safety risks.
Situations that warrant tree felling:
- The trunk is within 2–3 meters of your house or wall
- Branches interfere with electrical cables
- You’re constantly dealing with roof damage or blocked gutters from falling leaves and twigs
In these cases, removing the tree is often more cost-effective than dealing with repeated repairs or utility issues.
There’s Visible Disease or Pest Infestation
A diseased tree is not only at risk of falling—it may also infect other healthy plants and trees in your garden. Some fungal infections, like root rot, spread underground before symptoms become obvious. Others, like powdery mildew or borer beetle damage, show up in the leaves or bark.
Signs to watch for:
- Discoloured or wilting leaves in the wrong season
- Oozing sap or deep cracks in the trunk
- Visible insect colonies, holes in bark, or bore dust
- Mushrooms or fungal growth around the base
While early-stage diseases can sometimes be treated, advanced infections usually require tree felling to protect surrounding vegetation.
Felling a tree may seem like a drastic step, but in many cases, it’s the safest, most responsible solution—especially when that tree poses a risk to people, property, or other plants.
At Green Cycle Trees, we offer professional tree felling services throughout the Western Cape, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental care. Our experienced team handles everything from risk assessment to stump removal, leaving your space clean and secure.
Whether you’re dealing with a dead tree, storm damage, or just want to make your garden safer and more spacious, we’re here to help.