Not every tree requires removal, but when a tree becomes a risk to your home, safety, or property, removal may be the smartest and safest choice. Dying, damaged, or unstable trees can fail without warning, especially during New Hampshire’s unpredictable weather, leading to costly damage or injury.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs that a tree may need to be removed before it becomes a hazard. Early detection is key, from leaning trunks and dead branches to fungal growth and root damage.

Why Tree Removal Isn’t Always Obvious

A tree can appear healthy at a glance, full of leaves, standing tall, yet still be hiding serious structural issues beneath the surface. Internal decay, root damage, or pest infestations often go unnoticed until too late. That’s why relying solely on outward appearance can be misleading.

Regular tree inspections by trained professionals are essential for early detection. An experienced eye can identify subtle signs of stress or instability that the average homeowner might miss. Catching these red flags early can prevent accidents, save nearby trees, and help avoid expensive emergency removals.

At Chris Lane Enterprises, we’ve spent over 20 years helping New Hampshire property owners make informed decisions about their trees. Whether you’re unsure about a leaning trunk or want peace of mind after a storm, our team is here to provide expert assessments and honest recommendations.

Main 7 Signs It’s Time to Remove a Tree

Not sure if that tree in your yard is just aging or actively dangerous? Here are some of the clearest red flags to watch for. If your tree shows one or more of these signs, it might be time to call in a professional.

Large Dead Branches (Especially in the Upper Canopy)

• Nicknamed “widowmakers” for a reason
• Can break off unexpectedly during storms
• Often a sign of internal decay or disease

Sudden or Severe Leaning

• Gradual lean? Probably stable
• Sudden lean? Likely root or structural failure
• Especially dangerous near homes, driveways, or power lines

Cracks, Cavities, or Rot in the Trunk

• Vertical cracks weaken the core
• Hollow areas can collapse under stress
• Common in older New Hampshire hardwoods like maple and oak

Fungal Growth at the Base of the Roots

• Mushrooms, shelf fungi, or conks = red flag
• Indicates rot or root decay
• Tree may already be dying from the inside out

Damaged or Uplifted Roots

• Often caused by construction, erosion, or poor soil conditions
• Without strong roots, your tree can’t stay anchored
• Signs include soil upheaval or exposed roots

No Leaves During the Growing Season

• Leafless in summer = serious trouble
• Could be dead or diseased
• Compare to similar trees nearby for context

Signs of Pests or Disease

• Watch for holes in bark, sawdust, or peeling bark
• Common NH issues: Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm Disease
• Infected trees can spread disease to others nearby
  

💡 Pro Tip: Spotting one of these signs doesn’t always mean the tree has to go—but it does mean it’s time for an expert evaluation. The sooner you act, the safer your property will be.

Need help? Our treework services in NH are just a call away.

How to Tell If a Tree Is Dying vs. Dormant

In New Hampshire, it’s common for trees to look lifeless in winter, but dormancy doesn’t mean death. If your tree isn’t leafing out in spring or shows signs like brittle branches, missing buds, or fungal growth, it could be more than just seasonal rest.

👉 For a full checklist and expert tips, visit our How to Know If a Tree Is Dying blog.

When in doubt, a quick inspection from a professional can make all the difference.

Risks of Leaving a Dangerous Tree Untouched

Leaving a dangerous or unstable tree unchecked can lead to serious consequences:

Risk	What It Means
Falling Limbs & Property Damage	Even one storm can turn a weak tree into a major hazard.
Legal Liability in NH	If your tree damages a neighbor’s property, you could be held responsible.
Insurance Headaches	Some policies may deny coverage if the tree was a known risk.
Power Line Risk	Trees near utility lines are extremely dangerous—always call a professional.

Is removal the only option? 

Not always. In some cases, tree issues can be addressed through corrective measures like pruning dead limbs, installing cabling or bracing for support, or improving soil conditions.

However, when a tree’s structural integrity is compromised, removal is often the safest and most responsible course of action to protect your property and those around it.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A damaged or dying tree isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a serious safety risk. The consequences of waiting too long can be severe, from falling limbs and property damage to legal liability and costly emergency removals.

The good news? Many of these risks can be avoided with a timely inspection. Catching the warning signs early gives you options—and peace of mind.

Trust the experienced team at Chris Lane Enterprises to evaluate your trees and recommend the right solution, whether it’s pruning, support, or safe removal.

👉 Schedule your tree inspection today and protect what matters most.

FAQs 

How to determine if a tree needs to be removed?

Look for signs like large dead branches, sudden leaning, cracks or cavities in the trunk, fungal growth, damaged roots, lack of leaves during the growing season, or signs of pests or disease.

When should you remove trees?

Consider removal when the tree poses a safety risk, is dead or dying, or is damaging property or surrounding trees.

How to tell if a tree is going to uproot?

Signs include soil upheaval, exposed roots, leaning, and cracked or heaving ground near the base.

How do you know when it’s time to cut a tree down?

If the tree shows signs of severe damage, disease, or poses a risk to property or safety, it’s time to consult a professional.

When should you put your tree down?

If the tree is dead or dying or poses a significant risk to people or property, removal should be considered.

How do you know if a tree is hollow inside?

Tap the trunk with a hammer; a hollow sound indicates internal decay. Look for cracks, cavities, or fungal growth.

Will a tree fall if it leans?

Not necessarily. A slight lean is normal, but a sudden or severe lean may indicate structural issues and should be evaluated by a professional.

One day, your tree looks full of life, green, strong, and healthy. Next, something feels off. No leaves, brittle branches… and you start wondering, is my tree dead?

Spotting the signs early matters. A dead or dying tree isn’t just an eyesore; it can become a safety hazard, attract pests, and even lower property value.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to tell if a tree is dead, what signs to look for, and when to call in the pros at Chris Lane Enterprises.

Telltale Signs Your Tree May Need Help

Trees can be surprisingly resilient, but they also have ways of showing when something’s not right. You might notice changes in the leaves, bark, or branches, subtle shifts often signal stress, disease, or decline. Knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early and give your tree the care it needs.

Here are some common signs of a dead or dying tree:

No Leaves or Delayed Leaf-Out

Key sign to look out for:
Your tree is bare or patchy well into spring, while other trees around it have already leafed out.

Why this happens:

• Species-specific dormancy periods
• Late frosts
• Root stress
• Internal decay. 

It is important to note that trees like White Oaks, Hickory, and Black Walnut typically leaf out late, and it shouldn’t be a sign of alarm. If you have a tree taking its time to leaf out, you can ask us, and we’ll let you know if it’s normal.

Brittle or Cracking Branches

Key sign to look out for:
Branches snap easily and feel dry, with no green layer or moisture inside. Healthy trees have flexible, moist branches. 

Why this happens:

• Lack of water/nutrients reaching limbs, 
• Internal disease
• Structural decline. 

If you’re unsure, you should do the snap test. Gently bend a small twig or branch. If it snaps easily and is dry and brittle inside, it’s likely dead. If it bends and feels flexible or shows green inside when broken, it’s still alive.

It’s a handy trick for spotting dead branches, especially in early spring when it’s hard to tell by appearance alone.

Peeling or Missing Bark

Key sign to look out for:
Large sections of bark are falling off in chunks or peeling without signs of new bark forming underneath. Bark protects the tree’s vital transport systems, and its loss could mean it is no longer circulating nutrients.

Why this happens:

• Fungal infections
• Sunscald
• Frost damage
• Internal rot

Fungus or Mushrooms at the Base

Key sign to look out for:
Mushrooms or fungal growth appear at the trunk’s base or along the roots.

Why this happens:

• Fungi thrive on decaying organic material. It could indicate rot in the roots or lower trunk if they’re present. 

Internal decay risks the tree’s stability, so a professional inspection is essential.

Large Dead Limbs or Entire Sections Bare

Key sign to look out for:
The top of the tree (crown) or large limbs have no leaves or appear dry and lifeless even in peak season.

Why this happens:

• Disease, pests, or root issues can prevent nutrients from reaching the upper limbs. 

Even if only parts of the tree look dead, it can be an early sign of widespread decline and should be checked by a tree care professional.

How to Tell If a Tree Is Dead vs Dormant

It’s a common question, especially in colder regions like New Hampshire or Vermont: Is my tree dead, or just dormant?

Trees go through seasonal changes, and many species lose their leaves or slow their growth in fall and winter. But when spring rolls around and your tree still looks lifeless, it can be hard to tell whether it’s simply “sleeping” or not coming back.

Here’s how to spot the difference before making any drastic decisions:

Understanding Dormancy vs Death

Dormancy is a natural process, similar to hibernation. It helps trees survive cold winters or dry seasons by conserving energy. During dormancy, it’s normal for trees to have no leaves, look bare, or even drop small twigs.

But a dead tree won’t bounce back. It will continue to decline no matter the weather or time of year.

If you’re unsure, the following quick tests can help you figure out what’s going on.

6 At-Home Tests You Can Try

Check	Dormant Tree	Dead Tree
Scratch Test	Green layer beneath bark	Brown, dry, brittle wood
Snap Test	Twig bends or is flexible before breaking	Twig snaps cleanly, no resistance
Buds on Branches	Small buds may be visible, even if not yet open	No buds, or dry/shriveled ones
Leaf Behavior	Leaves drop as expected in fall	May retain dead, brown leaves through winter
Fungal Growth at Base	Uncommon during dormancy	Common—often indicates internal rot or root damage
Bark Condition	Bark intact, may flake slightly	Bark peeling in large chunks, exposing dry wood
Woodpecker Activity	Minimal or none	Often increased—woodpeckers target insect-infested dead wood

 

What to Do Next

• Still unsure? If it’s early spring, wait a few weeks and retest.
• Seeing multiple red flags? It’s best to have a certified tree expert take a closer look.
  

Chris Lane Enterprises offers professional arborist services in Southern NH. Don’t wait—call us today!

Can You Save a Dying Tree?

Early Warning Signs You Can Still Act On:

• Sparse leaves, but some new growth is still visible: The tree may be weak, but it is not dead. Watch for buds or small green shoots.
• Only a few dead branches, not widespread: Localized dieback could be due to pests or weather damage.
• Green layer under bark in most areas (scratch test): This is a good sign the tree is still alive and responsive.
• Cracks in soil or signs of drought stress near roots: Correcting irrigation early can help the tree recover.
  

💡 Expert Tip: Don’t wait until summer to address spring symptoms; trees need energy early in the season to bounce back.

When It’s Time to Act—Trust the Tree Experts

If your tree is showing severe signs of decline or is already dead, it’s essential to act quickly. The risks, from falling limbs to pest infestations and potential property damage, only grow over time.

Whether your tree needs professional pruning, a health assessment, or safe removal, Chris Lane Enterprises is here to help. Our certified arborists serve Southern NH with trusted care, expert advice, and the right tools for the job.

📅 Request a free estimate today and get peace of mind from local professionals.

FAQs

How do you tell if a tree is fully dead?

A dead tree won’t have live buds, green under the bark, or flexible twigs. It may also show signs like peeling bark, brittle branches, or no leaf growth during the growing season.

Can a tree look dead but still be alive?

Yes! Some trees, especially those that leaf out late, may appear lifeless early in the season. Dormant trees can look dead, so it’s best to do a scratch or snap test to check for signs of life.

What happens if you don’t cut down a dead tree?

Over time, a dead tree becomes unstable and more likely to fall, especially during storms. It can also attract pests or disease, which may spread to healthy trees nearby.

What is the scratch test for trees?

The scratch test helps determine if a tree is alive. Lightly scratch a small section of bark on a twig with your fingernail or a knife. The tree is still alive if the layer underneath is green and moist. If it’s brown and dry, that part may be dead.

How much does it cost to remove a dead tree in NH?

Tree removal costs depend on the tree’s size, location, and condition. Large dead trees or trees near structures may cost more due to safety concerns. The best way to get an accurate estimate is with an on-site evaluation.

Is it bad to leave a dead tree?

Yes, leaving a dead tree can be risky. It may fall unexpectedly, cause property damage, or create safety hazards. Plus, it can attract wood-boring insects and spread decay to other trees.

What are the symptoms of a dead tree?

Common signs include no leaf growth, dry or brittle branches, peeling bark, fungus growth on the trunk, and no green tissue under the bark when scratched. If you notice several of these, your tree may die or severely decline.