Trees are a beautiful part of your property — until they become a hazard. Whether it's leaning too far toward your roof or shedding limbs after every storm, knowing when to remove a tree can save you from costly damage. At McCoy’s Services Inc., we often get called out after the fact — but early action is almost always safer and more affordable.

In this post, we’ll help you recognize the clear warning signs that a tree needs to be removed, walk you through the removal process, and explain how to protect your yard and your investment long-term.

1. When a Tree Becomes a Liability

Sometimes the biggest danger in your yard doesn’t come with a warning label — it comes with roots.

A tree may look stable from the outside, but things like hollow trunks, fungal growth, or visible cracks can indicate serious internal decay. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, trees with more than 30% decay are generally considered structurally unsafe and should be evaluated immediately (ISA, 2023). And if a tree is leaning more than 15 degrees, especially after heavy rain or wind, that’s another red flag.

2. Common Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

When deciding whether a tree poses a risk, here are five signs to watch for:

1. Mushrooms or fungus at the base – This may suggest root rot or internal decay.
2. Cracks or cavities in the trunk – Structural instability, even if the tree is still upright.
3. Dead branches in the canopy – A sign the tree is stressed or dying from the top down.
4. Sudden leaning – Especially after a storm, this can indicate root failure.
5. Sparse or discolored leaves – Could mean the tree is diseased or has poor nutrient flow.

If you notice more than one of these symptoms, it’s time to bring in a professional. DIY assessments often miss hidden internal damage, which can turn a quiet risk into a major emergency.

At McCoy’s Services Inc., we conduct thorough tree health evaluations using industry standards. Our team is trained to spot early structural failures, determine if the tree can be saved, or recommend safe, strategic removal when necessary.

3. Why Tree Removal Shouldn’t Be Delayed

Putting off tree removal might seem like the cost-effective option, but it can lead to expensive consequences. A falling tree can cause thousands of dollars in damage — not to mention the safety risk to your family, neighbors, or home.

In North Carolina, property insurance may not cover tree damage if it was preventable and signs of decay or risk were evident beforehand (NC Department of Insurance, 2022). That means homeowners could be left footing the bill entirely for fence repairs, roof collapse, or vehicle damage — all because a hazard was ignored.

And remember: even if a dead tree doesn’t fall, it becomes a liability in resale value. According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal can account for up to 10% of a home’s value — and dead trees are a big red flag for potential buyers.

4. What the Tree Removal Process Looks Like

At McCoy’s, tree removal starts with a site evaluation. We assess the tree’s size, location, surrounding structures, and health before deciding the safest and most efficient removal method.

For large or hard-to-reach trees, we often use crane-assisted removal to protect nearby structures. This allows us to lift tree sections out cleanly, minimizing impact on your lawn and driveway. For smaller or open-lot removals, we use climbing harnesses, rigging, and directional cutting to guide the tree down section by section.

Once the tree is down, we offer optional stump grinding to remove the base and roots — eliminating trip hazards and giving you a clean slate for replanting or landscaping.

5. What to Do After a Tree Is Removed

After the tree is gone, your yard may feel more open — but there’s still work to do.

You may want to regrade the area if there was root upheaval or install erosion control in sloped areas. This is also a great opportunity to plan new landscaping, whether that means planting a smaller tree, adding shrubs, or installing a garden bed.

Many clients ask us for help selecting the right replacement trees. We recommend native, non-invasive species like redbuds, dogwoods, or eastern red cedars, which are better suited to local soil and climate.

If you’re unsure about a tree on your property, don’t wait for the next storm to find out the hard way. At McCoy’s Services Inc., we bring decades of local experience and professional equipment to every job — and we’re happy to give you honest guidance, not just a sales pitch. Request a free estimate today and let’s keep your property safe, beautiful, and ready for anything.