





Recognizing when to remove a tree in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region is important for protecting your property and ensuring safety. By learning the key warning signs, you can make confident decisions about your tree care and avoid unnecessary risks.
Key Takeaways
- Trees showing signs of decay, like cracks, peeling bark, or dead branches, may be too unstable to withstand harsh weather, requiring professional removal.
- A leaning tree, especially with exposed roots or poor structure, can pose a serious risk and should be evaluated by an arborist.
- Trees growing too close to structures, particularly in fire-prone areas, increase the risk of wildfire damage and should be cleared for safety.
- Storm damage, such as a split trunk or broken branches, can compromise a tree’s integrity and may necessitate removal.
- Trees with dead patches in their canopy or signs of root damage may indicate underlying health issues that require professional assessment to determine if removal is necessary
7 Signs You May Need to Remove a Tree in the Greater Truckee-Tahoe Region
Sometimes, it is evident when you should remove a tree. In other instances, it may take the expertise of a Certified Arborist. To help you better understand your trees, we’ve listed some common signs that it’s time for tree removal.
1. The Tree is Showing Signs of Decay or Decline
A tree that is getting old or shows signs of decay poses a risk to your family and property. These trees may not have the structural integrity needed to withstand another season of heavy snow, leading to breakage or even total collapse. Some things to look for to determine if a tree is decaying include:
- Visible cracks or damage to the trunk
- Bark peeling
- Dead branches
In some cases, dead or dying trees require professional removal, often with the help of specialized equipment like cranes [link to blog post on using cranes for tree removal] to ensure the process is safe and minimizes potential damage to surrounding areas.
2. Your Tree is Leaning
Trees may sometimes lean depending on where they are. But if you notice your tree has a new and unnatural lean, that’s a problem. A tree may lean because the soil can’t support it or the roots are damaged. Some ways to check if your tree poses a risk to you include:
- Check the Soil: Saturated soil makes it difficult for a tree to stay upright. A tree relies on its roots to anchor it to the ground. When the soil is saturated, it is difficult for a tree to stay upright. This can lead to leaning and, eventually, a fallen tree.
- Look for Exposed Roots: Exposed roots from erosion or other factors could indicate a problem with your tree. It may mean your tree is pulling out of the ground and posing a danger.
- Check Your tree’s Structure: Leaning is even more dangerous in trees with multiple stems. Removal may be necessary if you notice a tree with poor structure or heavy branches leaning.
You may not always need to remove a leaning tree. Have an arborist inspect your tree first to receive an expert recommendation.
3. Tree Is Growing Too Close to Structures
Trees often end up growing too close to structures for two main reasons. The first is that someone didn’t account for the size when planting it. The second is that someone didn’t account for a tree when the building was under construction.
In the greater Truckee-Tahoe region, trees near structures pose an even greater risk due to the area’s heightened vulnerability to wildfires. Trees too close to structures, or to each can act as a bridge for flames, increasing the risk of fire spreading to your home. Removing these trees isn’t just about preventing damage from falling—it’s a critical step in fire safety.
Clearing trees within five feet of your house helps protect against fire and creates defensible space.
4. Tree Is Showing Signs of Storm Damage
Storms, whether that be in the form of lightning, wind, or snow, can damage trees. A heavily damaged tree may not be able to continue standing without putting people in danger.
Have an arborist inspect your trees after a storm. Significant damage, like a split trunk, may necessitate removal.
5. You Are Noticing Dead Patches in the Canopy
Dead patches in your tree canopy can indicate several things. It may be a sign of drought stress or an insect infestation. Whatever the cause, it is worth looking into. Trees with large dead sections on the canopy are likely unhealthy and could pose a danger.
Don’t jump straight to removal when you see dead patches. Have an arborist examine your tree and see if there is any way to save it. Sometimes, all a tree needs is a trim and some light treatment to recover.
6. You Are Dealing with an Unwanted Tree Species
An unwanted tree species can disrupt your yard’s biodiversity by outcompeting other plants and trees. Tree removal is a significant decision, as it permanently removes the tree and can take years for a replacement to grow.
Removal may be necessary if the tree is struggling to thrive, isn’t suited to the Truckee-Tahoe area, or is negatively impacting the health of your landscape.
7. The Tree Is Demonstrating Signs of Root Problems
Roots are essential for a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients and water, and when they are cut, rotted, or otherwise damaged, whether that’s due to prolonged droughts or accidental damage from lawnmowers or construction, this vital process is disrupted. If a tree’s roots are compromised, it could be a clear sign that removal is necessary.
Can trees recover from damaged roots? It depends. If the damage is minimal, the tree may recover. However, if too many roots are lost, the tree may no longer be able to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal
Why should tree removal be a last resort?
Our team at Arbor Solutions believes in trying to save a tree before removing it. Trees provide many benefits to your property, so we do whatever we can to preserve your trees, if possible, instead of removing them.
How do I know if a tree is at risk of wildfire damage?
Trees are most prone to wildfire damage when they grow too close to other trees and shrubs. Proper tree pruning and removing nearby shrubs can protect your property from damage to wildfire.
How much does tree removal cost in the Greater Truckee-Tahoe Region?
The cost of tree removal depends on several factors. A company will look at the size of the tree, its location, and its condition when factoring in the cost.
Trust Arbor Solutions for Safe Tree Removal in the Greater Truckee-Tahoe Region
As much as we’d like to save every tree, there are times when removal is the safest option. Whether it’s due to damaged roots, trees growing too close to structures, or storm damage, some trees become too dangerous to leave standing.
Tree removal is a complex and risky job, so it’s important to rely on the experts. At Arbor Solutions, we know when to remove a tree and use advanced equipment and safe techniques to handle the job. Call us today at 530-580-8383 or request an estimate online.

Lead Arborist James Piercy has worked in the tree service industry since moving to the Tahoe region in 1997. He has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2004 and continues to provide expert recommendations and quality tree care throughout the region.



We publish monthly articles detailing tree care in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region. If you have a question about maintaining your trees, we may have already answered it on our Tree Care Blog.