Roy’s Trees Blog

A damaged or unstable tree can quickly become a serious hazard. High winds, heavy rain, disease, and age can all weaken a tree’s structure and increase the risk of it falling. A toppled tree can damage homes, vehicles, and power lines—and cause major injuries. Fortunately, trees often display visible warning signs before they collapse. Recognizing these symptoms early can help property owners take action and prevent increasingly dangerous situations. At Roy’s Trees, our local arborists can identify and safely remove hazardous trees. Here are four warning signs that a tree may be at high risk of toppling. A Noticeable Lean Is Getting Worse While some trees naturally grow at slight angles, a tree that suddenly begins leaning or appears to be leaning more than before may have structural instability. This can happen when roots become damaged, soil shifts, or the trunk weakens internally. A leaning tree is especially concerning if the lean developed after a storm or if the ground around the base appears raised or cracked. Cracks Are Visible on the Trunk Deep cracks, splits, or cavities in the trunk are major warning signs that a tree may fail. These openings weaken the structural integrity of the tree and can make it more vulnerable during storms. Vertical cracks are especially concerning when they extend deeply into the trunk or separate large sections of wood. Some trees may also develop hollow areas due to internal decay. Even if the tree still appears healthy on the outside, internal damage can significantly increase the likelihood of toppling. The Roots Appear Damaged or Exposed Healthy roots are essential for keeping a tree stable and anchored to the ground. If roots become exposed or damaged, the tree may lose its ability to remain upright. Fungal growth near the base of the tree can also indicate root rot or decay beneath the soil surface. Since root problems are often hidden underground, visible symptoms near the base of the tree should never be ignored, especially if the tree begins leaning or showing signs of stress. The Tree Shows Sudden Signs of Decline A tree that suddenly loses leaves, develops bare sections, or displays discolored foliage may be suffering from severe internal problems. Rapid decline can result from disease, pest infestations, drought stress, or root failure. If the canopy appears thin and unhealthy while other nearby trees remain normal, the tree may be struggling to survive. Sudden decline can indicate that the tree is becoming unstable and may now pose a safety risk. Tree Removal in Phoenix, AZ For expert tree removal in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Roy’s Trees at  602-881-2775  . Feel free to give us a call to request an arborist estimate in greater Phoenix !

A hazardous tree can fall unexpectedly, damage structures, and potentially injure people nearby. Recognizing the warning signs early is essential for protecting your home and everyone around it. At Roy’s Trees, our local arborists can identify and safely remove hazardous trees. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to have the tree evaluated and potentially removed by a professional. Significant Leaning/Sudden Shift While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden or increasing lean is often a red flag. This can indicate root damage or instability in the soil. If the ground around the base appears lifted or cracked, the tree may be losing its structural support. A leaning tree near your home, driveway, or power lines should be addressed promptly. Splits in the Trunk Deep cracks or splits in the trunk can compromise a tree’s structural integrity. Cracks/splits weaken the tree and increase the likelihood of it breaking apart. In severe cases, the tree may be at risk of collapsing entirely. Visible damage to the trunk should always be evaluated by an expert. Root Damage or Soil Disturbance A tree’s root system is essential for stability. Construction, erosion, or poor drainage can damage roots and weaken the tree’s foundation. Signs of trouble include exposed roots, shifting soil, or areas where the ground appears raised around the base. When roots are compromised, the tree is more likely to fall unexpectedly. Large Dead or Falling Branches Dead or weakened branches can break off without warning, especially during storms. If you notice large limbs that are brittle, leafless, or already falling, it’s a sign the tree may be in decline. These branches can cause serious damage or injury, making removal or professional pruning necessary. Signs of Disease/Decay Fungal growth, peeling bark, hollow sections, and a lack of healthy foliage can all indicate that a tree is dying or decaying. Internal decay weakens the structure, making the tree more prone to failure. Diseased trees not only pose a safety risk, but can also spread problems to nearby plants if left untreated. Tree Removal in Phoenix, AZ For expert tree removal in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Roy’s Trees at  602-881-2775  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in greater Phoenix, AZ !

At Roy’s Trees, our team makes it a mission to exceed our customers’ expectations with every job we do. Whether you need light trimming or numerous large tree removals, we’ll work efficiently to get the job done right, all while providing friendly and fairly-priced service. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback. Here’s a look at some of our latest reviews. “​These guys did a great job trimming 6 of our trees. Roy was communicative, honest, knowledgeable and fairly priced. They will definitely be our go-to in the future!” — Jenn R. “We had Roy and his team out last week to remove a dead palm tree, clean up two other palm trees and remove some dead branches off a massive pine tree. We had to be away from the house while they were there so we left the gate open and hoped for the best! We got home later and the first thing I noticed was my spotless yard. They cleaned up EVERYTHING. It looked better than when we left it. The dead palm was entirely gone, stump and all. The other trees looked great. Pricing was also fair, no complaints there. We will definitely use Roy again in the future.” —A.C. “Roy and his crew arrived on time to remove a huge Date Palm and trim a row of large Ficus trees that were damaged by a micro-burst in Tempe AZ. The tree was dangerously close to a neighboring home, and required good control to remove without incident. A dozen or so large Ficus trees were also trimmed, and stumps ground below grade. The site was nicely cleaned up and all debris removed. Would definitely use Roy and team again.” —Dean S. “A++!!!! We had to trim back our massive pine tree that was growing into our neighbors yard and touching their house. Roy’s Tree company hit a home run. Their work looks perfectly balanced.” —Nathalie G. “Roy’s team is amazing. They gave me a future date, but when they had extra time they came sooner. My trees have never looked so good. They really know how to sculpt trees to their best potential. There pricing is very fair. I highly recommend Roy’s Trees.” —Buffy R. Tree Services in Phoenix, AZ For expert tree services in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Roy’s Trees at  602-881-2775  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in greater Phoenix !

After a tree is cut down, the remaining stump can be an unexpected nuisance. While it may seem harmless at first, a leftover stump can create safety hazards, attract pests, and interfere with your landscaping plans. Many homeowners are unsure whether they should remove the stump entirely or opt for stump grinding. Understanding the differences and benefits of each option can help you make the best decision for your property. At Roy’s Trees, we can answer your questions about stump grinding and removal in the greater Phoenix area. What Is the Difference Between Stump Grinding and Stump Removal? Stump grinding and stump removal are two different methods of addressing leftover tree stumps. Stump grinding involves using specialized equipment to grind the stump down below ground level, typically leaving the root system in place. The area can then be covered with soil or mulch. Stump removal, on the other hand, involves extracting the entire stump along with much of its root system. This process is more intensive and may leave a larger hole that needs to be filled. The best option depends on your landscaping goals and budget. Why Should I Remove or Grind a Tree Stump? Leaving a stump in your yard can create several problems. It can be a tripping hazard and may damage lawn equipment during mowing. Over time, stumps begin to decay, which can attract termites, ants, beetles, and other pests. In some cases, stumps can also sprout new growth, leading to unwanted shoots around the base. Removing or grinding the stump eliminates these issues and improves the overall appearance of your property. Is Stump Grinding Safe? Stump grinding involves powerful machinery and should always be handled by trained professionals. Experienced technicians use specialized equipment designed to grind the stump safely and efficiently while avoiding damage to surrounding areas. Attempting to remove a stump without proper tools or knowledge can lead to injury or property damage. Hiring a professional service helps ensure the job is completed safely and correctly. What Happens After the Stump Is Gone? After grinding, the remaining wood chips can be used as mulch or removed, depending on your preference. The area can then be filled with soil and reseeded with grass or prepared for new landscaping. If you choose full removal, the hole will need to be backfilled and leveled. Removing or grinding a stump opens up valuable space, allowing you to enhance your yard with new improvements. Where Can I Find Stump Grinding & Removal in Phoenix, AZ? For expert stump grinding and removal in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Roy’s Trees at  602-881-2775  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in greater Phoenix, AZ !