Trees add natural beauty, shade, and environmental benefits to your property, but they also come with responsibilities. Over time, even healthy trees may require attention, and it's not always easy to know when it's time to call a professional. Many property owners try to manage trees on their own, but certain signs point to the need for skilled help.

Ignoring potential problems can lead to serious consequences, including property damage or safety risks. Whether you're dealing with overgrown limbs or a diseased trunk, working with a trained professional ensures your trees remain healthy and your home stays safe. Below are 11 clear signs it's time to consider hiring a professional tree service.

1. Your Tree Is Leaning or Unstable

A tree that begins to lean more than usual can be a clear sign that its root structure has been compromised. Whether caused by erosion, high winds, or poor soil conditions, an unstable tree poses a serious safety risk. Even a slightly leaning tree may fall during a storm or unexpectedly under its own weight.

Professional tree service providers can assess whether a leaning tree needs to be removed, braced, or allowed to remain. Ignoring this issue could result in costly damage to homes, vehicles, or nearby structures. Having an expert evaluate the tree helps you understand your options and avoid unnecessary risk.

2. There Are Dead or Broken Branches

If you notice large limbs that are dead, cracked, or hanging loosely, this is a major warning sign. Dead branches are more likely to fall without warning, especially during high winds or heavy rains. Even if they haven't yet fallen, they may be weakening the tree's structure over time.

A certified tree company can trim these hazardous branches safely while preserving the tree's overall health. Leaving dead wood unattended can also attract pests or lead to disease, making early intervention even more important. Proper pruning helps the tree stay strong and balanced.

3. You See Signs of Disease or Infestation

Yellowing leaves, peeling bark, unusual growths, or mushrooms at the base of a tree may indicate disease or a pest infestation. These problems can spread quickly, affecting nearby vegetation and weakening your tree from the inside out. Without proper treatment, the tree may die or become a danger to your property.

An experienced tree service has the knowledge to identify diseases and recommend targeted solutions. Sometimes, treatment may involve trimming infected areas or applying safe insecticides. In more severe cases, removal may be necessary to prevent spreading. Early action helps protect the rest of your landscape and maintain the health of your property.

4. There Are Power Lines Near the Branches

Trees growing close to power lines create a serious safety hazard. If branches are touching or within a few feet of live electrical lines, they can spark fires, cause power outages, or lead to electrocution. Trimming trees near utilities should never be attempted by homeowners, as it requires special training and equipment.

A professional tree company is licensed and insured to work around electrical hazards. They can safely remove or shape trees in these high-risk zones, often coordinating with the utility company when necessary. Hiring a professional in these cases protects both your property and your personal safety.

5. Your Trees Are Too Close to Structures

Trees that grow too close to buildings, fences, driveways, or walkways can cause damage in subtle but serious ways. Overgrown roots may lift concrete, damage plumbing lines, or invade a home's foundation. Low-hanging limbs can scratch siding, break windows, or block visibility.

Tree service professionals can carefully prune or remove trees that pose a threat to your structures. Their goal is to maintain your property's beauty while preventing costly structural repairs. Regular maintenance of trees near buildings is one of the best ways to prevent preventable property damage.

6. You're Preparing for Severe Weather

If your area is prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow, getting a pre-season tree inspection can prevent storm-related accidents. Trees with weak limbs or rotting trunks are especially vulnerable during storms and can easily break or fall, leading to injury or destruction.

Scheduling a tree service before severe weather arrives allows you to address weak points in your yard. Professional trimming or removal ensures that only healthy, stable trees remain, reducing the risk of falling debris. It's a smart way to protect your home during extreme conditions.

7. There Is Excessive Overgrowth

When a tree's branches grow too long, they may block sunlight, choke out other plants, or create an unkempt appearance. Overgrowth can also make it difficult to mow your lawn or navigate around your yard safely. In some cases, dense foliage can even attract pests by creating moist, dark conditions.

A tree company can reshape the canopy for better airflow and light distribution. Regular trimming helps maintain the tree's natural beauty and promotes healthy growth. If your yard feels cluttered or overly shaded, pruning overgrown branches can transform the space while making the tree more manageable.

8. You Notice Root Problems or Uplifting Soil

Roots are the unseen foundation of every tree, and problems underground often show up in surprising ways. If you notice cracked sidewalks, heaving soil, or exposed roots, the tree may be struggling or causing damage beneath the surface. Left unaddressed, this can affect your home's plumbing, driveway, or basement.

Professionals trained in tree service understand how to evaluate root systems and determine whether they can be managed or whether the tree must be relocated or removed. Careful assessment can prevent long-term structural issues while preserving as much of the tree as possible.

9. You Need a Tree Removed Safely

Removing a tree is a major project that should never be taken lightly. Whether the tree is dying, diseased, or simply in the wrong location, safe removal requires the right tools, techniques, and safety measures. Doing it yourself risks injury and property damage.

Hiring a tree service guarantees the job is done correctly and efficiently. Crews use ropes, harnesses, cranes, and other specialized equipment to take down trees with minimal disruption to your property. They also handle stump removal and cleanup, leaving your yard in good shape once the tree is gone.

10. You Want to Maintain Property Value

Well-kept trees enhance the curb appeal and value of your property, while neglected trees can have the opposite effect. Broken branches, overgrowth, or visibly diseased trees may give the impression of poor upkeep, making potential buyers or tenants think twice.

Investing in professional tree care is one of the simplest ways to keep your property looking its best. Trimming, shaping, or removing trees when necessary helps you maintain a polished, attractive landscape. If you're planning to sell or rent, a tidy yard with healthy trees can make a strong first impression.

11. Tree Trimming Costs Are Increasing

As the tree care industry faces rising material and labor costs, prices for trimming and removal services are expected to climb. According to IBISWorld, the 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, including wood and lumber, will increase costs for tree trimming services that rely on these materials.

Acting sooner rather than later could help you avoid higher costs in the future. Booking a professional tree company now means locking in current rates and addressing potential problems before they become emergencies. Keeping your trees healthy today can prevent bigger bills down the line.

Knowing when to call a professional tree company is essential for keeping your yard safe, your home protected, and your trees healthy. From overgrown limbs to disease and root problems, these warning signs should never be ignored. Acting early helps avoid serious damage, costly repairs, or even injury.

If you've noticed any of the signs mentioned above, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Kodiak Tree Service today for a free consultation, expert care, and long-term protection of your trees and property.