A healthy tree is an asset. A dying one is a liability waiting for the next storm. Here are the warning signs that a tree on your property in the southwest Chicago suburbs may need professional removal — and what to do about each.
One important note first: these signs tell you something is wrong, but they don't all mean the tree must come down. A professional inspection is the only way to know for sure. Ask any company you hire to put its findings in writing, so you can compare options.
1. Large Dead Branches or a Bare Crown
A few dead twigs are normal. But when major limbs are dead, or the crown is thinning and bare while neighboring trees are full, the tree is in serious decline. Dead branches — called deadwood — are the first to fall in a storm, and they can injure people or damage property without warning.
What to do: Have the tree inspected. Sometimes targeted pruning buys time; sometimes removal is the only safe option.
2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Deep cracks, especially ones that go through the bark into the wood, signal structural failure. A trunk that splits in a V-shape between two leaders is particularly weak. In the Chicago suburbs, freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads make existing cracks worse every winter.
What to do: Don't ignore this one. A cracked trunk can fail suddenly, especially under snow or wind load. Call (708) 665-4874 for an assessment.
3. Leaning — Especially a New Lean
A tree that has always leaned slightly may be fine. A tree that has recently started leaning, or whose lean is increasing, is telling you its root system is failing. Soil heaving around the base — visible lifting or cracking of the ground — confirms it.
What to do: A newly leaning tree is an emergency, particularly if it's leaning toward a house, driveway, or power line. Call (708) 665-4874 — and ask what their emergency process is and how quickly they can get on site.
4. Fungus Growing on the Trunk or Roots
Mushrooms or shelf-like fungi (conks) growing on a trunk or around the base mean decay inside the tree. Fungi feed on dead and rotting wood — their presence tells you the tree's structure is compromised, even if the canopy still looks green.
What to do: Fungal fruiting bodies on a mature tree almost always mean removal is needed. An on-site inspection confirms the extent.
5. Root Damage or Exposed Roots
Construction, trenching, or soil compaction can destroy a tree's root system. Signs include exposed or severed roots, mushrooms along root lines, and a canopy that thins out within a season or two of nearby digging. A tree with a damaged root plate is unstable.
What to do: If you've had recent excavation near a tree and it's declining, have it evaluated before the next storm season.
6. Pest or Disease Damage
In the Midwest, emerald ash borer has devastated ash trees — if your ash tree is losing its canopy, has D-shaped exit holes in the bark, or shows heavy woodpecker activity, it's likely infested. Other diseases cause cankers, oozing, and dieback in oaks and maples.
What to do: Diseased trees often can't be saved once decline is advanced, and dead ash trees become extremely brittle — dangerous to climb and expensive to remove later. Earlier removal is safer and usually cheaper.
7. The Tree Is Too Close to Structures or Lines
Even a healthy tree becomes a hazard when it outgrows its space — limbs rubbing the roof, roots lifting the driveway or foundation, branches growing into power lines. This is a placement problem, not a health problem, but the solution is the same.
What to do: If trimming can't solve the clearance issue, removal is the safe choice.
Don't Wait for the Next Storm
Every one of these signs gets worse with time — and more expensive to fix. If you recognize any of them on your property, get a professional opinion before severe weather makes the decision for you.
Call The Best Tree Guys at (708) 665-4874 for a free tree inspection and estimate in the southwest Chicago suburbs.
One more thing worth knowing: removal isn't always the answer. If an inspection shows the tree is structurally sound, targeted pruning — removing deadwood, reducing a heavy limb, improving the crown — can extend its life by years. A reputable tree service puts its findings in writing — ask for that before agreeing to any work.