When a tree dies, it can quickly become a serious safety hazard. Dead trees are more prone to falling, dropping large branches, and attracting pests that can spread to other plants. Recognizing the signs of a dead tree early can help you take action before it causes damage or injury. At Elevated Tree Care, we can identify dead trees and safely remove them as necessary. Here are four common signs that your tree has died and should be professionally removed. No Leaves During the Growing Season One of the most obvious signs of a dead tree is the absence of leaves when it should be in full growth. While some trees naturally go dormant in colder months, a tree that fails to produce leaves during the growing season is likely no longer alive. If neighboring trees are thriving while one remains bare, it’s a strong indication of a problem. Brittle and Dry Branches Dead trees often have branches that are dry, brittle, and easily breakable. If you snap a small branch and find that it breaks cleanly without any moisture or green tissue inside, the tree may be dead. A living tree typically has flexible branches with green layers beneath the bark. Peeling or Missing Bark Bark acts as a protective layer for a tree, so when it begins to peel away or fall off in large sections, it’s a warning sign. Dead trees often have significant bark loss, exposing the inner wood. This not only indicates poor health, but also makes the tree more vulnerable to decay. Fungal Growth and Decay The presence of fungi growing at the base or along the trunk is often a sign that the tree is decaying. Fungi thrive on dead or rotting wood, so their presence can indicate that the tree has already died or is in advanced stages of decline. This type of decay can severely weaken the tree’s structure. Tree Removal in Pittsburgh, PA For expert tree removal in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at  412.695.3545  . Feel free to give us a call to request an arborist estimate in Pittsburgh !

In certain situations, a tree may become a safety concern or develop issues that require professional attention. While many trees can be preserved with proper care, certain warning signs may indicate that removal should be considered. Determining whether a tree should be removed is not always straightforward, which is why professional arborists are often called to evaluate the situation. At Elevated Tree Care, we can evaluate your trees and recommend removal as necessary. If you notice any of the following scenarios on your property, it’s best to consult a tree care expert for an assessment. After Major Storm Damage Severe weather can cause significant damage to trees. High winds, snow, or lightning strikes may split trunks, break large branches, or destabilize the root system. While some storm-damaged trees can be saved with careful pruning, others may be too structurally compromised to remain safe. If a tree has lost major limbs or appears to be leaning after a storm, a professional evaluation can help determine whether removal is necessary to prevent future hazards. When a Tree Is Leaning or Becoming Unstable A tree that begins leaning noticeably may be dealing with root damage or soil instability. While some trees naturally grow with a slight lean, a sudden change in position can signal a serious structural issue. Cracked soil around the base of the tree or exposed roots may also indicate that the tree is losing its stability. In these situations, a professional arborist can inspect the tree and determine whether corrective measures are possible or if removal is the safest option. If There Are Signs of Disease or Decay Tree diseases and internal decay can weaken a tree’s structure. Signs such as fungal growth on the trunk, hollow sections of wood, peeling bark, or large areas of dead branches may indicate a serious health problem. When disease spreads throughout the tree, it can compromise the strength of the trunk and limbs. A professional tree specialist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend whether treatment or removal is the best course of action. When the Tree Is Too Close to Buildings or Power Lines Trees that grow too close to homes, garages, fences, or power lines can create long-term risks. Large branches may scrape against roofs, fall during storms, or interfere with electrical lines. Roots may cause issues with sidewalks and driveways. As the tree continues to grow, these risks may increase. An arborist can evaluate the tree’s size, condition, and location to determine whether strategic pruning is sufficient or if removal is the safest solution for the property. Tree Removal in Pittsburgh, PA When you need tree removal in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at  412.695.3545  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in greater Pittsburgh !

To remain healthy and structurally sound, trees require proper maintenance—especially regular pruning. Many homeowners have questions about when to prune, why it’s necessary, and whether they should hire a professional. At Elevated Tree Care, our local ISA-certified arborists are happy to answer your questions about tree pruning in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. Why Is Professional Tree Pruning Important? Professional tree pruning improves both the health and appearance of your trees. Removing dead, damaged, or weak branches helps prevent disease from spreading and reduces the risk of falling limbs. Proper pruning also promotes better airflow and sunlight penetration, which supports healthy growth. When done correctly, pruning strengthens the tree’s structure and encourages balanced development, making it more resilient during harsh weather conditions. When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees? The ideal time for pruning depends on the type of tree and your specific goals. For many species, late winter or early spring is considered the best time because trees are dormant and can recover quickly once the growing season begins. However, hazardous branches should be removed immediately, regardless of the season. Flowering trees may have specific timing requirements to avoid cutting off future blooms. A professional arborist can determine the optimal schedule for your trees. Can I Prune My Trees Myself? While small trimming tasks may seem manageable, improper pruning can cause lasting damage to a tree. Over-pruning or making incorrect cuts can weaken the tree, increase the risk of disease, and create structural instability. Professional arborists are trained to use proper techniques and specialized equipment to ensure safe and effective pruning. They also understand how to assess a tree’s overall health and identify potential issues that may not be obvious to homeowners. How Does Pruning Help with Disease Control? One of the key benefits of professional tree pruning is disease prevention and control. Diseased or infested branches can spread problems to healthy parts of the tree or nearby trees. By carefully removing affected areas, professionals help stop the spread of infection. Improved airflow and sunlight exposure also reduce moisture buildup within the canopy, making it harder for fungi and other pathogens to thrive. Early detection and proper pruning can significantly extend the life of your trees. Where Can I Get Professional Tree Pruning in Pittsburgh, PA? For expert tree pruning in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at  412.695.3545  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in Pittsburgh !

At Elevated Tree Care, we aim to earn our clients’ complete satisfaction by providing exceptional tree services at fair rates. Our crew of ISA-certified arborists can expertly handle a variety of tasks, from hazardous tree removal to pruning to tree pest management. And we’re thankful when our clients offer feedback about our work. Here’s a look at some of our latest reviews. “The team at Elevated Tree Care is absolutely top notch. They arrived with equipment in hand and had the problem tree on the ground in no time at all. They even cleaned up the debris from the canopy as well. Highly recommend.” —John M. “I highly recommend the arborists of Elevated Tree Care. They went out of their way to resolve a number of issues with my 100-year-old sycamore tree. They also listened to my primary concern, then determined how to trim it to help prevent it from coming down in a windstorm. They explained to me why waiting until the tree was dormant before trimming it was vital to the health of this particular tree. This group of arborists are knowledgeable, accommodating, informative, efficient, polite, and reasonable. They sincerely care about trees and their customers. Thank you very much Elevated Tree Care!!” —Marjorie M. “Alex from Elevated Tree Care did an outstanding job! He understood my passion for wanting to save my tree, on a city street, which roots had picked up the sidewalk bricks over the years. He worked with my landscaper to prune the roots and design a solution that allows an ample walkway, while keeping the tree... and in time before the snow falls. I highly recommend Elevated Tree Care.” —Anna K. “Guys were friendly and did a fantastic job. Cleaned up neatly. Highly recommend them to do tree services.” —James P. “First time using this company. We had 3 huge trees cut down in a very tight space. The workers were efficient and thorough with clean up. I would highly recommend.” —Wayne W. “Excellent communication before & during the appt, polite staff, thorough clean up after tree trimming. Best service ever.” —Elena S. Tree Care in Pittsburgh, PA When you need an experienced arborist in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at  412.695.3545  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in Pittsburgh!

Severe storms can leave trees on your property damaged, unstable, and unsafe. High winds, heavy rain, and lightning can cause cracks, split trunks, broken limbs, and weakened root systems that aren’t always obvious at first glance. While some damage may seem minor, hidden structural issues can pose serious risks if left unaddressed. Having an ISA-certified arborist inspect storm-damaged trees is a smart step you can take to protect your property and everyone on it. Here are four important reasons why a professional inspection is worth it. Identify Hidden Structural Damage Storm damage isn’t always visible from the ground. Trees may suffer internal cracks, compromised branch unions, or root plate damage that can’t be seen without trained evaluation. An ISA-certified arborist has the knowledge and tools to detect these hidden problems and assess how they affect the tree’s overall stability. Identifying structural damage early helps prevent unexpected limb or tree failure later. Reduce Safety Risks Storm-damaged trees can become serious safety hazards. Hanging limbs, weakened trunks, or shifted root systems can fail suddenly, posing a danger to people, vehicles, and nearby structures. An arborist can determine which trees or branches present an immediate risk and recommend appropriate action. Addressing these risks promptly helps reduce the chance of injury or property damage. Determine Whether a Tree Can Be Saved Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed. In many cases, proper pruning, cabling, or other corrective measures can restore a tree’s health and stability. An ISA-certified arborist can evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether the tree can safely recover. This expert guidance helps you preserve healthy trees while avoiding unnecessary removals. Protect Your Property Investment Trees are valuable assets that enhance curb appeal and property value. However, damaged trees that are left uninspected can threaten homes, fences, power lines, and landscaping. An ISA-certified arborist provides professional recommendations that balance tree preservation with property protection. Their expertise helps you make informed decisions that safeguard both your trees and your investment in your property. ISA-Certified Arborist in Pittsburgh, PA For an ISA-certified arborist in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, contact Elevated Tree Care at  412.695.3545  . Feel free to give us a call to request an arborist estimate in greater Pittsburgh!