When Does a Tree Actually Need to Come Down?

Most homeowners call us because a tree looks worrying, not because they know it's actually a risk. Here's a plain-English guide to what arborists check before recommending removal over pruning.

Signs that usually mean removal, not pruning

• Root damage or heaving soil around the base, especially after storms
• Large cavities or fungal growth (like bracket fungus) at the trunk base or major limb unions
• More than 50% crown dieback, particularly on established gums
• Significant lean that has developed recently, rather than always been there
• Trunk splitting or included bark at major branch unions

When pruning is enough

A lot of trees that look dramatic — a big dead limb, an overgrown canopy crowding a roofline — just need selective pruning or deadwooding rather than full removal. An arborist will usually assess the tree's overall structure and health before recommending the more drastic option.

Get a second opinion before committing

If you've had a quote for removal and want to sanity-check it, we're happy to have a look. A site visit lets us tell you honestly whether removal, pruning, or just monitoring is the right call — and if removal is needed, whether your council requires a permit first.