In Colorado, we grow attached to our trees. They offer shade in the summer, color in the fall, and habitats for wild animals in Colorado’s rapidly changing landscape. Like all living things, trees age, get sick, or outgrow their space. Sometimes, for safety, health, or environmental reasons, the hard decision to remove a tree must be made.
At Good People Tree Service, we don’t take this lightly. We believe in preservation when possible. We have also seen firsthand the damage that a failing tree can cause if left too long. Here’s how to know when it’s time to say goodbye, and how to do it the right way.
When a Leaning Tree Means Trouble: Tree Stability Issues
A slight lean may be natural, especially for trees growing on slopes common in the Peak to Peak region, but if your tree starts leaning more than usual it could signal root damage or structural imbalance. Additionally, sudden twists, tilts, and curves in your trees can signal stability issues. Combine these curves and tilts with wet soil from spring runoff or monsoon season in the summer, and you’ve got a recipe for failure.
If your tree has started to shift, especially after a storm or a wind event, call in a professional arborist for a risk assessment. We’ve removed trees in Nederland, Allenspark, Denver, Evergreen, Boulder, all over the front range and Peak to Peak region, where a few more weeks of waiting could have spelled disaster for homes and driveways.
Deadwood: When More Than the Leaves Are Gone
It’s normal for trees to shed the occasional dead branch. When large limbs stop producing leaves year after year, or when the bark peels off and the trunk sounds hollow, the tree could be dying. A dying tree can be unsightly and quickly become a hazard.
Here’s the hard part: trees can look okay on the outside even when they’re rotting from the inside. Internal decay can be invisible until it’s too late. That’s why annual inspections are so valuable, and why many homeowners find themselves Googling “when to remove a tree” only after something has already gone wrong.
Cracks, Splits & Fungus: The Warning Signs of Structural Failure
”Rot can occur in the heartwood of a tree, as shown here; trees can survive heart rot, and become hollow, because the living parts of the tree are located just beneath the bark. These living layers, the cambium, phloem, and xylem transport water and nutrients allowing the tree to survive. Though the tree may be alive, the structural integrity is no longer there and the tree must be removed if it is located in an area that threatens people or property.”
Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on tree bark, especially after particularly snowy winters. Deep vertical cracks, splitting limbs, or the appearance of mushrooms and fungi at the base of the trunk often indicate a compromised structure or root rot.
We’ve seen trees in Boulder County develop root fungus that eats away at internal tissues, slowly destabilizing them over time. If you notice signs like these it’s best to talk to a qualified arborist about tree removal services before it becomes urgent. If your tree is in a heavily trafficked area, or is close to any structure on your property, reaching out to a tree removal specialist is even more important and time sensitive.
Too Close for Comfort: Growth Near Structures
That sapling you planted 15 years ago? It might now be towering over your roofline, interfering with utility lines, or pushing up your driveway with its roots. Trees that grow too close to homes can damage siding, shingles, or even foundations. Worse yet, they become a serious risk during high winds, fires, or snow events.
We’ve helped countless property owners from Black Hawk to Longmont and beyond, remove overgrown or poorly placed trees to reclaim their space and restore peace of mind. While removal isn’t always necessary, it often becomes the most practical choice.
After the Fire: Burn-Damaged Trees
Wildfire mitigation is a growing priority in Colorado, and trees that have sustained partial fire damage are often unstable. Charred bark, scorched foliage, and dry, brittle branches are signs that the tree might not recover. If you’re unsure, we offer post-fire assessments and can help you decide whether the tree can be saved — or if it’s time to proceed with professional tree removal services as part of a larger fire mitigation strategy.
The Importance of Acting Early
Many of the tree removals we perform could have been simpler and safer if they had been scheduled sooner. A dangerous tree left unaddressed can fall unexpectedly, causing injury, property damage, or utility outages. Being proactive not only protects your home and family, but can often save you money in the long run, and help you avoid the need for emergency tree services.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here
At Good People Tree Service, we bring years of hands-on experience in tree removal across Colorado’s mountain towns, city suburbs, and everywhere in between. We understand the tough calls, the local regulations, and the emotional weight of letting go of a tree you’ve lived with for years.
If you’re wondering whether your tree is a keeper or a liability, we offer certified tree risk assessments and honest, educated recommendations. And when tree removal is necessary, we do it cleanly, safely, and respectfully. Call us today or request an estimate online and let’s talk trees.