Dead tree removal in San Antonio

Signs a tree is dead or dying

• No leaves in the growing season, or leaves on only a few branches.
• Bark falling off in large pieces, or cracks running down the trunk.
• Mushrooms or fungus growing at the base or on the trunk.
• Brittle branches that snap instead of bending.
• A quick scratch on a small twig shows dry, brown wood instead of green underneath.

Some trees drop leaves early in a hard drought and recover. If you're not sure, a certified arborist can tell you.

Why dead trees are risky

Dead wood dries out and becomes brittle, so limbs can drop without warning, especially in wind. That same brittleness makes dead trees more dangerous to climb and rig, which is why removal crews often use bucket trucks or cranes for large ones. It's not a do-it-yourself job.

Insurance

Insurers generally expect homeowners to deal with trees that are obviously dead. Coverage for damage from a tree that was clearly dead before a storm can be harder to get. Check with your agent. Removing it before it falls is usually cheaper than the damage.

What removal involves

1. An assessment of the tree, the drop zone and access.
2. Sectional removal near structures, or felling in open space.
3. Chipping and hauling away the debris, and optional stump grinding.

A dead red oak killed by oak wilt needs extra care so the wood doesn't spread the disease. Ask the tree service how they'll handle and dispose of it.