May 20, 2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Signs You Need Tree Removal in Shreveport
- 1. Significant Leaning or New Tilt
- 2. Multiple Dead or Hanging Branches
- 3. Trunk Damage and Cavities
- 4. Root Issues and Ground Changes
- 5. Signs of Internal Decay
- 6. Storm Damage After Shreveport Weather Events
- 7. Trees in Conflict with Structures or Utilities
- When Emergency Tree Removal Is Necessary
- The Importance of Professional Assessment
- Protecting Your Shreveport Property
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Signs You Need Tree Removal in Shreveport
Trees are one of Shreveport’s greatest natural assets. From the majestic oaks that line our historic neighborhoods to the towering pines throughout our community, these beautiful giants provide shade, clean our air, and enhance our properties.
But sometimes, the trees that have been part of our landscape for years become hazards rather than assets. As a Shreveport homeowner, knowing when to remove a tree can be the difference between proactive maintenance and expensive emergency removal after storm damage or property destruction.
Here in Northwest Louisiana, our unique weather patterns create specific challenges for trees. With our combination of high winds, heavy rainfall, and occasional severe storms, trees in Shreveport face stresses that can compromise their health and stability over time.
Let’s explore the seven critical signs that indicate it’s time to consider professional tree removal for your Shreveport property.
1. Significant Leaning or New Tilt
Trees naturally grow with some slight leaning, especially if they’re reaching for sunlight. But a sudden or significant lean is a major red flag that demands immediate attention.
If you notice your tree has developed a new tilt after a recent storm, this could indicate compromised roots. The saturated soil common during Shreveport’s heavy rain events can loosen the root structure, making trees unstable. This is particularly concerning for properties near waterways like Cross Lake or along Red River tributaries, where soil saturation is more common.
Pay special attention to:
- Trees leaning more than 15 degrees from vertical
- Fresh soil mounding on the side opposite the lean
- Trees that have suddenly changed their angle
- Leaning trees near structures or high-traffic areas
A leaning tree with exposed or lifted roots requires immediate professional assessment, as it could fall with little additional stress.
2. Multiple Dead or Hanging Branches
While a few dead branches here and there is normal and can be addressed with routine pruning, extensive deadwood throughout the canopy suggests deeper problems.
In Shreveport’s climate, where we experience everything from summer heat waves to occasional ice storms, trees under stress often show their decline first in the upper branches. When more than 25-30% of a tree’s canopy consists of dead branches, it’s often a sign of significant health issues that may warrant removal.
Be especially wary of:
- Large broken branches hanging in the tree (often called “widow makers”)
- Bare branches that don’t produce leaves during spring
- Branches that easily break during mild wind events
- Progressive dieback moving from the crown downward
These conditions not only indicate poor tree health but also create safety hazards, particularly during our seasonal thunderstorms that can turn loose branches into dangerous projectiles.
3. Trunk Damage and Cavities
The trunk is literally the lifeline of a tree, and significant damage to it often means the tree cannot be saved.
After Shreveport’s severe weather events, like the EF-1 tornado that touched down near Taylortown in 2024 or the powerful thunderstorms that swept through South Bossier, many trees sustain trunk injuries that may not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time.
Signs of critical trunk damage include:
- Vertical cracks or splits in the trunk
- Large sections of missing bark
- Extensive cavities or hollow areas
- Multiple holes from woodpecker activity (often indicating insect infestation)
- Fungi or mushrooms growing from the trunk (signs of internal decay)
If the damage exceeds 25% of the trunk’s circumference, the tree’s structural integrity is likely compromised, and removal should be considered, especially if it’s near your home or driveway.
4. Root Issues and Ground Changes
Healthy roots are essential for a tree’s stability and nutrient uptake. Unfortunately, root problems often go unnoticed until they’re severe.
In Shreveport’s clay-heavy soils, which can expand and contract significantly between wet and dry periods, root systems face particular challenges. Construction work, utility installation, or even severe flooding like we experienced in 2016 can seriously damage root systems.
Watch for these concerning signs:
- Soil heaving or cracking near the tree base
- Fungi or mushrooms growing around the root zone
- Suddenly sparse foliage (indicating poor nutrient uptake)
- Signs of root rot or decay
- Recent changes to the soil grade around the tree
Trees with compromised root systems become increasingly unstable and may fail suddenly during our strong Louisiana thunderstorms.
5. Signs of Internal Decay
Unlike external damage that’s easily visible, internal decay can be tricky to spot but is equally dangerous.
Many of Shreveport’s older neighborhoods like Highland, South Highlands, and Broadmoor feature mature trees that may look healthy on the outside while harboring internal decay. This is particularly common in oak species that have survived multiple hurricanes or tropical storm remnants.
Indicators of internal decay include:
- Mushrooms or conks growing on the trunk or major branches
- Soft, crumbly wood when probed
- Hollow sounds when tapping the trunk
- Carpenter ant activity
- Areas where branches meet the trunk that appear swollen or deformed
Professional arborists have specialized tools to assess internal decay without causing further damage to the tree. If significant decay is detected, removal is often the safest option, especially for trees near homes or frequently used outdoor spaces.
6. Storm Damage After Shreveport Weather Events
Shreveport’s weather can be punishing to trees. From the sudden high winds of spring thunderstorms to the occasional ice storms in winter, our local weather patterns create unique stresses.
Recent years have seen several significant weather events affecting our trees. In March 2025, two EF-1 tornadoes touched down in Caddo Parish, causing extensive tree damage. May 2024 brought powerful storms that uprooted trees throughout South Bossier and parts of Shreveport south of I-20.
After severe weather, assess your trees for:
- Split or broken major limbs
- Twisted trunks
- Partially uprooted trees
- Lightning strikes (often visible as a strip of missing bark from top to bottom)
- Multiple large branches broken throughout the canopy
While some storm-damaged trees can recover with proper care, others pose immediate hazards and require prompt removal. If severe weather has affected more than 50% of your tree’s crown or caused structural damage to the trunk, professional assessment is critical.
7. Trees in Conflict with Structures or Utilities
Sometimes a tree must be removed not because it’s damaged or diseased, but because it’s in conflict with its surroundings.
Throughout Shreveport’s neighborhoods, we’ve seen trees that were appropriately sized when planted decades ago now creating problems as they’ve matured. Trees too close to foundations, rooflines, or power lines represent ongoing risks.
Consider removal if your tree is:
- Growing into power lines (a major concern during ice storms)
- Causing foundation damage with aggressive roots
- Overhanging your home’s roof by more than just a few branches
- Growing too close to water or sewer lines
- Creating visibility hazards for driveways or street intersections
SWEPCO reports that tree interference with power lines is one of the leading causes of outages in Northwest Louisiana, especially during storms. Proactive removal of problematic trees can prevent more extensive damage and power disruptions.
When Emergency Tree Removal Is Necessary
While the signs above may allow for some planning time, certain situations require immediate action:
- Trees leaning toward structures after recent storms
- Trees with major structural damage following lightning strikes
- Trees with more than 50% of the root system exposed or damaged
- Any tree that appears at immediate risk of falling
In these emergency situations, contacting a professional tree service with 24/7 emergency response capabilities is essential. Attempting to address these hazards yourself puts both you and your property at serious risk.
The Importance of Professional Assessment
While this guide provides general warning signs, every tree situation is unique. What might be a removable risk for one tree could be manageable with proper care for another.
Licensed arborists in Shreveport have the training to:
- Accurately assess tree health and risk factors
- Identify species-specific issues common in our region
- Recommend alternatives to removal when appropriate
- Safely remove trees when necessary
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry requires all individuals who “work on trees for a fee” to hold an arborist license. Always verify credentials before hiring a tree service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Shreveport, LA
How much does tree removal typically cost in Shreveport?
Tree removal costs in Shreveport vary widely depending on several factors including tree size, location, condition, and accessibility. Small trees (under 30 feet) typically cost less to remove than large mature trees (over 60 feet). Additional factors like proximity to structures, special equipment needs, and whether you want stump removal will affect the final price. Most reputable tree services offer free estimates, so it’s best to get a quote.
Is a permit required for tree removal in Shreveport?
For most residential properties in Shreveport, you don’t need a permit to remove trees on your private property. However, certain exceptions exist for protected trees, trees in historic districts, or trees on commercial properties. Additionally, newer developments may have specific tree preservation requirements as part of their zoning. To be certain, contact the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission or your neighborhood association before removing significant trees.
When is the best time of year to remove trees in Shreveport?
While emergency removals happen year-round, planned tree removals in Shreveport are often best scheduled during late fall or winter (November through February). During these months, trees are dormant, there’s less foliage to deal with, and the ground is typically firmer. This timing also minimizes impact on wildlife that might be nesting during spring. Additionally, tree services are often less busy during winter months, potentially resulting in better scheduling and rates.
Can I remove a tree myself?
While it might be tempting to handle small tree removal yourself, professional tree removal is recommended for safety reasons. Tree work is consistently ranked among the most dangerous professions due to risks from falling limbs, power lines, and the use of specialized equipment. Without proper training and equipment, DIY tree removal can lead to property damage, injury, or worse. In Shreveport’s urban areas where trees are often close to homes, fences, and power lines, professional removal is especially important.
How can I tell if my tree is dead or just dormant?
During winter months in Shreveport, it can be challenging to determine if a leafless tree is dead or simply dormant. Try these simple tests: gently scratch a small area on a few twigs with your fingernail or a knife. Living trees will show green tissue underneath the bark. Also check for flexibility in smaller branches; living branches bend while dead ones snap easily. Finally, look for buds on the branches, which indicate the tree is preparing for spring growth. If you’re still unsure, a certified arborist can provide a professional assessment.
What should I do with a tree damaged after a storm?
After Shreveport’s severe weather events, assess storm-damaged trees cautiously. First, stay away from any tree touching power lines and call SWEPCO immediately at 888-218-3919. For other damaged trees, look for major structural issues like split trunks, large broken limbs, or uprooting. Minor damage can often be addressed with proper pruning, while severe damage may require removal. Because storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable and dangerous, it’s best to have them professionally evaluated rather than attempting repairs yourself.
After tree removal, should I grind the stump?
Stump grinding is recommended after tree removal in Shreveport for several reasons. Removal eliminates tripping hazards, prevents new sprouts from the remaining roots, reduces pest problems (like termites that are common in our area), and allows for replanting or landscaping. Without grinding, stumps can take many years to decompose naturally in our climate. Most tree services offer stump grinding as an additional service, though it’s typically priced separately from the tree removal itself.
Are some trees more likely to fall during Shreveport storms?
Yes, certain species and conditions make trees more vulnerable during our severe Shreveport weather. Water oaks, while common in our area, are particularly susceptible to failure as they age past 50-60 years. Trees with co-dominant stems (multiple main trunks), those with previous damage, and species with shallow root systems like Bradford pears are also higher risk. Additionally, trees showing signs of disease or decay, recently disturbed root zones, or those growing in saturated soils near bayous and drainage areas are more likely to fail during our strong Louisiana storms.
Protecting Your Shreveport Property
Trees are valuable assets to our Shreveport communities, but their care sometimes requires difficult decisions. Removing a beloved tree is never easy, but when safety is at stake, it’s the responsible choice.
By recognizing these seven warning signs and acting promptly, you can protect your home, family, and property from the dangers posed by hazardous trees. With Shreveport’s unpredictable weather patterns, being proactive about tree care is an essential part of responsible homeownership.
Whether you’re in Broadmoor, Provenance, Spring Lake, or any neighborhood throughout Shreveport, maintaining the safety and beauty of our urban forest is a responsibility we all share.
For professional tree assessment and tree removal services in Shreveport and surrounding communities, contact local certified arborists who understand the specific challenges our Northwest Louisiana trees face.
