The massive red oak had stood in Janet’s front yard for forty-three years—planted the week she and her husband moved into their Keene home. It shaded the porch every summer, turned brilliant red every fall, and anchored the entire landscape.
Last spring, she noticed something wrong. Bare branches that never filled in. Patches of dead bark on the trunk. Mushrooms growing at the base.
“I was terrified you’d say it had to come down,” she told us during the assessment. “This tree is part of our family.”
We spent an hour examining every aspect—checking for decay, testing wood strength, evaluating root health, and looking for any signs that the tree could recover. The news was mixed. Parts of the tree were failing, but the core structure remained sound.
“We can save this tree,” we told her. “But it’s going to require work.”
Six months later, after targeted pruning, treatment, and ongoing monitoring, that oak is thriving. New growth filled in where dead branches were removed. The mushrooms are gone. And Janet’s front yard still has the tree that makes it home.
At Wilcox Tree Service, this is the decision we help homeowners make dozens of times every month: save or remove? It’s never automatic—and when it’s your tree, you deserve to understand exactly how we reach that conclusion.
Here’s the process professional tree cutting services in Keene use to determine whether a tree can be saved or needs to come down.
Why This Decision Matters So Much
Removing a tree is permanent. You can’t undo it. And mature trees bring value that can’t be replaced quickly—shade, beauty, privacy, wildlife habitat, and property value all connected to trees that took decades to grow.
But leaving a dangerous tree standing creates serious risks:
- Property damage when hazardous branches fail
- Personal injury if the tree comes down unexpectedly
- Pest infestations spreading to healthy trees
- Declining property value from obvious neglect
- Insurance liability if preventable problems cause damage
The goal isn’t to save every tree or remove every problem—it’s to make informed decisions based on actual conditions, not assumptions or convenience.
Step 1: Visual Assessment from Ground Level
The evaluation starts before we even touch the tree—by observing overall health, structure, and obvious warning signs.
What We’re Looking For:
Canopy Density and Foliage Health
How full is the canopy? Are there large bare sections where branches have died? Do leaves look healthy or stressed—smaller than normal, discolored, wilting, or sparse?
A full, vibrant canopy suggests a healthy tree. Significant dieback indicates stress, disease, or structural problems.
Bark Condition
Healthy bark is intact and fits snugly against the wood. Warning signs include:
- Bark peeling away in large sections
- Cracks or splits exposing inner wood
- Missing bark revealing dead tissue
- Discoloration or unusual staining
- Sunken or depressed areas indicating decay underneath
Fungal Growth
Mushrooms, conks, or other fungi growing on the trunk, roots, or base signal internal decay. By the time fungi appear above bark, significant rot already exists inside.
Lean or Structural Tilt
Some trees grow at natural angles—that’s fine. What concerns us is recent lean, increasing lean, or lean accompanied by soil cracks and exposed roots on the opposite side.
These indicate the root system is failing—and the tree is slowly toppling.
Dead Branches
A few dead twigs are normal. Entire dead branches throughout the canopy suggest serious problems—disease, pest damage, or root failure cutting off water and nutrients.
Trunk Damage
Cracks, splits, cavities, or wounds in the main trunk compromise structural integrity. The trunk supports everything—damage there affects the entire tree.
What This Initial Look Tells Us:
Is the tree obviously healthy with minor issues? Obviously compromised beyond recovery? Or somewhere in between where deeper assessment is needed?
This first impression guides how detailed the rest of the evaluation needs to be.
Step 2: Close Inspection of Critical Areas
After the overall visual assessment, we examine specific areas where problems often hide.
The Root Collar and Base
The area where trunk meets ground—the root collar—is critical for tree stability and health.
Soil Level
Is the root flare visible, or is soil piled against the trunk? Buried root collars create conditions for rot and disease.
Root Condition
We look for exposed roots that are damaged, decayed, or severed. Healthy roots are firm and show active growth. Soft, spongy roots indicate rot.
Fungal Bodies
Mushrooms at the base specifically target root systems. Their presence means advanced decay in the tree’s anchor structure.
Soil Disturbance
Cracking, heaving, or separation around the base indicates root movement—a serious warning that the tree is losing stability.
Major Branch Unions
Where large branches connect to the trunk, we check for:
Included Bark
Bark pushed between branch and trunk creates weak unions prone to splitting. This structural flaw worsens as branches grow larger.
Cracks or Splits
Any separation at major unions indicates stress and potential failure points.
Dead Wood at Connections
Decay at critical attachment points compromises the branch’s ability to stay connected.
Visible Cavities and Wounds
We examine any openings in the trunk or major branches:
- How deep do they penetrate?
- Is wood inside solid or decayed?
- Are wounds healing or expanding?
- Does the cavity compromise structural wood?
Small, healing wounds usually aren’t concerning. Large cavities that hollow out significant trunk sections are major structural problems.
Crown Structure
Looking up into the canopy, we evaluate:
- Are branches well-distributed, or is weight concentrated on one side?
- Do branches show signs of stress—cracking, bending, or sagging?
- Are there co-dominant stems creating structural weakness?
- Is the crown balanced, or has previous damage created instability?
Step 3: Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Sometimes visual inspection isn’t enough. When the decision is close, we use tools that reveal what eyes can’t see.
Resistograph Testing
This device drills a tiny hole into the trunk while measuring resistance. The resulting graph shows:
- Solid wood density throughout the sample
- Hollow sections or voids
- Patterns indicating decay or structural weakness
Resistograph testing quantifies internal wood condition—replacing guesswork with data.
Increment Boring
A thin core sample extracted from the trunk reveals:
- Growth ring patterns showing tree health over years
- Evidence of internal decay or disease
- How the tree has responded to past stress
This historical perspective helps predict whether the tree can recover from current problems.
Moisture Meters
Excessive internal moisture indicates decay or disease activity. Dry, brittle wood suggests the tree is dying.
Moisture levels help us understand what’s happening inside wood that looks normal from outside.
Root Collar Excavation
When we suspect root problems but can’t see clearly, careful excavation exposes the root collar. This reveals:
- Girdling roots strangling the trunk
- Decay at the critical trunk-root interface
- Structural root damage from construction or soil disturbance
Step 4: Evaluating Structural Integrity
After understanding the tree’s condition, we assess whether its structure can safely support continued growth.
Load Distribution
Does the tree’s architecture distribute weight evenly? Or do structural flaws create points where stress concentrates?
Trees with balanced structure handle wind and weather loads effectively. Trees with poor architecture are accidents waiting for the right storm.
Percentage of Decay
No tree is 100% solid wood—some decay is normal. The question is: how much?
Research suggests trees can tolerate about 30-40% decay in their cross-section and remain stable. Beyond that threshold, failure risk climbs significantly.
Compensating Growth
Trees respond to damage by adding growth in other areas—compensating for lost strength. We look for evidence of this response:
- Thickened trunk sections opposite decay
- New growth patterns suggesting the tree is adapting
- Root expansion compensating for lost stability
Trees that actively compensate might remain stable despite significant damage.
Environmental Stress Factors
Is the tree in a protected location, or fully exposed to wind? Is soil compacted from nearby construction? Are drainage patterns affecting root health?
Environmental context determines whether a tree with marginal structure can continue standing safely.
Step 5: Species-Specific Considerations
Different tree species have different tolerances, growth patterns, and vulnerabilities. What’s fatal for an oak might be manageable for a maple.
Species Characteristics We Consider:
Decay Resistance
Some species tolerate internal decay better than others. White oak and hickory resist rot well. Willows and poplars decay rapidly.
Compartmentalization
How effectively does the species seal off decay? Trees with strong compartmentalization prevent disease spread better than species that don’t.
Growth Vigor
Fast-growing species often respond better to pruning and stress. Slow-growing species take longer to recover from damage.
Local Adaptation
Native New Hampshire species generally handle local conditions better than imported ornamentals.
Life Expectancy
A 40-year-old oak is young with decades ahead. A 40-year-old birch is approaching natural decline. Age relative to species lifespan affects save-versus-remove decisions.
The Decision Framework: Save or Remove
After completing the assessment, we categorize trees into clear categories:
Category 1: Healthy Trees Requiring Minor Care
Characteristics:
- Full, vibrant canopy with minimal dieback
- Solid structure with no significant decay
- Minor pruning needs—dead branch removal or shaping
- Good root health and stability
Recommendation: Routine maintenance keeps these trees thriving for decades.
Category 2: Stressed Trees That Can Recover
Characteristics:
- Some dieback but core structure remains sound
- Treatable diseases or pest problems
- Structural issues correctable through cabling or pruning
- Root problems addressable through soil management
Recommendation: Targeted treatment, monitoring, and ongoing care. These trees can be saved with appropriate intervention.
Category 3: Declining Trees Requiring Significant Intervention
Characteristics:
- Extensive dieback approaching 40-50% of canopy
- Major structural problems requiring aggressive pruning
- Disease or decay that can be slowed but not eliminated
- Uncertain long-term prognosis
Recommendation: Honest discussion about costs, realistic expectations, and whether investment makes sense. Sometimes saving is possible but not practical.
Category 4: Hazardous Trees Requiring Removal
Characteristics:
- Structural failure imminent or already occurring
- Decay exceeding safe thresholds
- Root system compromised beyond stability
- Location near structures where failure creates unacceptable risk
- Dead or dying with no recovery potential
Recommendation: Removal before the tree fails on its own terms—preventing property damage and safety hazards.
The Factors That Tip the Scale
When trees fall between categories, several factors influence the final recommendation:
Location and Risk
A declining tree in open woods poses minimal threat. The same tree overhanging a home becomes a hazard requiring removal.
Location determines acceptable risk levels.
Owner Priorities
Some homeowners want to save trees at almost any cost—they have sentimental value worth the investment. Others prioritize safety and cost-effectiveness over preservation.
Your priorities matter in borderline cases.
Long-Term Outlook
Can treatment provide years of healthy growth, or are we postponing inevitable removal? If the tree will need removal in two years regardless, removing now might make more sense than investing in short-term fixes.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Sometimes saving a tree costs more than removal and replacement combined. We provide honest cost comparisons so you can make informed decisions.
Pest and Disease Spread
If a tree has contagious disease affecting nearby specimens, removal might protect the rest of your landscape—even if the single tree could potentially be saved.
What Treatment Looks Like for Saveable Trees
When we determine a tree can be saved, the treatment plan might include:
Corrective Pruning
Removing dead, diseased, or structurally weak branches improves overall health and reduces hazards.
Crown Reduction
Reducing canopy size decreases wind resistance and weight load—helping compromised trees remain stable.
Cabling and Bracing
Steel cables and braces support weak unions or splits, preventing structural failure while the tree continues growing.
Soil Amendments
Improving soil health, drainage, and nutrient availability supports root recovery and overall vigor.
Pest and Disease Treatment
Targeted applications of treatments control infestations and infections before they become fatal.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular check-ins ensure problems don’t worsen and treatment is working as intended.
When Removal Is the Responsible Choice
Sometimes the most caring decision is removal—especially when:
- The tree poses immediate danger to people or property
- Decay has progressed beyond safe thresholds
- Disease will spread to healthy trees if the infected one remains
- Treatment costs exceed removal and replacement combined
- The tree is dead or dying with no chance of recovery
Removal isn’t failure—it’s responsible property management that protects what matters most.
How Wilcox Tree Service Approaches These Decisions
At Wilcox Tree Service, we never recommend removal when trees can be saved—and we never recommend saving trees when removal is the safe, practical choice.
Our Assessment Process:
Thorough Evaluation: We examine every tree completely before making recommendations
Honest Communication: You’ll understand exactly what we’re seeing and why it matters
Clear Options: We present all reasonable options with transparent pros, cons, and costs
Your Decision: We provide expert advice, but the final choice is always yours
No Pressure: We don’t profit more from removal than from treatment—recommendations reflect actual tree conditions
Why Homeowners Trust Our Judgment:
Local Experience: Years working with Keene’s tree species, soil conditions, and weather patterns
Certified Expertise: Training and knowledge beyond basic tree removal skills
Investment in Tools: Diagnostic equipment that reveals what visual inspection can’t
Long-Term Relationships: We want to be your tree service for decades—not just one removal
Proven Results: Countless trees saved and thriving, alongside removals completed safely when necessary
Your Tree Deserves an Honest Assessment
If you’re worried about a tree on your property—whether it’s showing concerning signs or you simply want peace of mind—professional evaluation provides answers.
You’ll know whether your tree can be saved, what treatment involves, what it costs, and what happens if you do nothing.
That knowledge lets you make informed decisions instead of guessing—or waiting until the tree makes the decision for you.
Get Expert Assessment Today
Contact Wilcox Tree Service for professional evaluation of trees on your Keene property. We’ll assess their health, explain what we’re seeing, and provide honest recommendations about whether they can be saved or need removal.
Call 603-363-8197 or visit us online to schedule your tree assessment.
Whether we’re saving your tree or removing it safely, you’ll know you made the right decision.
Wilcox Tree Service—honest assessments, expert care, every time.