Signs It’s Time to Remove a Tree on Your Newington Property

Trees make your yard look great, keep things cool, and even boost your home’s value. But when they’re dying, damaged, or dangerously placed? They turn from asset to liability fast. And in a place like Newington—where storms roll in, roots crack sidewalks, and older trees loom over homes—you’ve got to know when to take action.

Signs It’s Time to Remove a Tree on Your Newington Property

"A single mature oak can weigh over 20,000 pounds. When it falls, it doesn’t ask for permission."

Trees make your yard look great, keep things cool, and even boost your home’s value. But when they’re dying, damaged, or dangerously placed? They turn from asset to liability fast.

And in a place like Newington—where storms roll in, roots crack sidewalks, and older trees loom over homes—you’ve got to know when to take action.

Tree removal isn’t always obvious. Some warning signs are subtle. Others are impossible to ignore. This guide breaks it all down so you can make smart, timely decisions—and avoid a disaster before it strikes.

🪵 1. The Tree is Clearly Dead

If your tree has no leaves during peak growing season, brittle branches, peeling bark, and zero signs of life—chances are, it's dead.

Dead trees aren’t just ugly.

They’re unpredictable.

And they can fall without warning.

Action tip: Scratch a small section of bark with your thumbnail. If there’s no green layer underneath, it may be time to call a pro.

⚠️ 2. It’s Leaning—And It Didn’t Before

Not all leaning trees are dangerous. But if the lean is new, worsening, or angled toward a structure, it’s a red flag.

Especially if the soil around the base is cracking or lifting. That means the root system might be failing.

Look closely:

• Is the tree pulling away from the ground?

• Are exposed roots showing on the opposite side of the lean?

• Can you see movement during wind gusts?

If yes—call a tree removal expert right away.

🍄 3. Fungi, Mushrooms, or Soft Spots at the Base

This one’s a silent killer.

If you’re seeing mushrooms or fungus at the trunk’s base, there’s a good chance the inside’s rotting. And when the inside of a trunk is decaying, the outside may still look fine—until it collapses.

Common signs include:

• Mushrooms or fungal conks growing at the roots or trunk

• Soft, spongy bark or wood that flakes off

• Cavities or hollow areas in the trunk

A rotting tree can still stand tall—for now. But it won’t for long.

🌪️ 4. Major Storm Damage

Newington gets its share of Nor’easters and heavy winds. If your tree lost large limbs during a recent storm—or split entirely—it may no longer be structurally sound.

Storm damage might:

• Leave open wounds that invite pests or disease

• Shift the tree’s center of gravity

• Cause cracks you don’t notice until it's too late

If half the canopy is gone or the trunk is cracked? That tree is on borrowed time.

🔍 5. It’s Too Close to Power Lines or Structures

Even a healthy tree can be risky if it’s planted too close to:

• Your roof

• Utility lines

• Your neighbor’s fence

• Driveways or sidewalks

Roots can lift concrete. Limbs can scrape shingles. And in storms? Those branches can become wrecking balls.

Rule of thumb: If the tree’s height exceeds the distance to your home or power line—it’s a hazard.

🌳 6. It’s Just Outgrown Its Space

Some trees simply grow too large for their surroundings.

That maple you planted 20 years ago? It might now be damaging your foundation or sewer lines. Overcrowded lots in Newington often leave little room for big trees to thrive safely.

This is less about sickness—and more about long-term property protection. If a tree is boxed in, badly pruned year after year, or threatening nearby structures, removal may be the best option.

🚨 When In Doubt, Get a Professional Assessment

We get it—nobody wants to cut down a tree. But keeping a dangerous one on your property comes with serious risks.

If you’re unsure, we’ll come take a look. No pressure. Just honest advice from professionals who’ve seen it all across Newington, Wethersfield, and surrounding areas.

📞 Think One of Your Trees May Be at Risk?

Contact ALX Tree Service for a free, expert tree assessment. We’ll help you decide what’s safe to keep—and what needs to go before the next storm does it for you.