5 Warning Signs You Need Tree Removal on Your North Georgia Property

While trees offer shade, privacy, and natural beauty, not all trees are safe to keep, especially when they begin to show signs of disease, decay, or structural risk. Knowing when to remove a tree can help you avoid costly property damage, protect nearby structures, and maintain a healthy landscape.

At LS Trees, we believe in preserving trees whenever possible, but we also know when it’s time to let one go. If you're wondering whether a tree on your property might be a hazard, here are five red flags that call for professional assessment and possible removal.

⚠️ 1. The Tree Is Leaning (and It Didn’t Used to Be)

While some trees naturally lean as they grow, a sudden or noticeable tilt could signal internal or root-related problems. Leaning trees are especially dangerous after heavy rain or storms, as soggy soil and wind stress can weaken the root system.

👉 What to look for:

• Recent changes in posture or tilt

• Uplifted soil at the base

• Exposed or broken roots

If you notice any of these issues, call a certified tree removal specialist before it topples.

🦠 2. Visible Signs of Disease or Decay

A tree that’s visibly sick may be past the point of saving. Rot, fungus, and decay weaken structural integrity, leaving the tree vulnerable to snapping or falling unexpectedly.

👉 Common signs include:

• Mushrooms or fungi at the base

• Hollow or cracking trunk

• Bark falling off in large patches

• Dead branches near the crown

In North Georgia’s humid climate, tree decay can spread quickly if left unchecked. Our team can evaluate whether your tree can be saved, or if it’s safer to remove it.

🔌 3. It’s Too Close to Your Home or Utilities

Trees planted too close to your house, garage, fence, or power lines can pose serious threats as they grow. Overhanging limbs can damage roofs and gutters, while underground roots may crack foundations or disrupt plumbing. We’ve seen it fill pipes entirely. It’s wild!

👉 Safety tip: Trees should ideally be planted at least 15–20 feet away from structures.

When storms hit, proximity becomes a major liability. If a tree’s location makes you uneasy, it’s worth getting a second opinion.

🌪️ 4. The Tree Didn’t Recover After a Storm

North Georgia storms can take a toll on even the healthiest trees. If your tree lost large limbs, has bark wounds, or looks like it's struggling to rebound, it may be too damaged to recover.

👉 Post-storm red flags:

• Split trunks or deep cracks

• Browning or wilting leaves

• Hanging limbs or exposed roots

Trees with storm trauma often become unstable and should be inspected right away, especially if they lean toward your home, driveway, or power lines.

🪴 5. It’s Crowding Out Other Plants

A tree may also need to be removed if it’s taking resources away from the rest of your landscape. Overcrowding causes:

• Shading of lawns and gardens

• Root competition for water and nutrients

• Tree-on-tree damage

If one tree is preventing others from thriving, strategic removal can improve the health and balance of your entire yard.

🧰 Why Choose LS Trees for Tree Removal in North Georgia?

Removing a tree is never a decision to take lightly. At LS Trees, we approach every removal with care, experience, and proper certification. Whether you're concerned about safety, structure, or storm risk, our team is equipped with professional-grade tools and equipment to do the job safely—without subcontractors.

We also:

• Perform on-site assessments

• Handle emergency and hazardous removals

• Provide full cleanup and optional stump grinding - please call 811 before considering stump grinding to ensure it’s a safe area to grind free from any power or water lines

📍 Serving Cumming, Alpharetta, Dawsonville, Gainesville, and nearby areas

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Can I remove a tree myself?

  • A: We strongly advise against DIY tree removal—especially for large, leaning, or storm-damaged trees. It’s risky and can result in injury or property damage.

• Q: Will removing a tree hurt my property value?

  • A: Not if it's hazardous! Removing unsafe or dying trees can actually boost your property value and curb appeal.

• Q: How much does tree removal cost?

  • A: It depends on tree size, location, and risk. We provide free quotes and offer $100 OFF when you mention this blog.

• Q: Will you remove the stump too?

  • A: Yes, we offer optional stump grinding services. We’ll talk through the pros and cons based on your yard layout.

📞 Book a Free Tree Removal Assessment and receive $100 off your next tree service

Not sure if your tree needs to go? Don’t wait until it becomes a liability. Get professional insight and honest answers from your trusted local experts.

📱 Call (770) 616-6079 or visit LSTreesLLC.com to schedule your free tree evaluation.