The tall oak tree that has served as a focal point of your landscape for years may be secretly putting your property at risk. Dead trees can break during storms or drop branches without warning, making removal the only safe option. We’ll explain why dead trees are more dangerous than they appear – and what makes quick removal so important for Fairfax County homeowners.
Key Takeaways
- Dead trees lack structural integrity and can fall unexpectedly, even on calm days without storms, making them extremely dangerous to people and property.
- In Northern Virginia’s urban areas, such as Alexandria and Arlington, dead trees pose a heightened risk due to their proximity to homes, vehicles, and neighboring properties.
- A falling dead tree can cause catastrophic problems, including severe injuries or death, hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural damage, and downed power lines.
- Any tree within striking distance of targets demands immediate removal.
Dead trees can have internal decay that makes them more likely to fail.
Why Dead Trees Are Dangerous
Any tree can fail during extreme weather, regardless of its health. But dead trees are far more likely to break, fall, and put your home at serious risk.
What makes dead trees especially dangerous? Without structural integrity, they can’t withstand Fairfax County’s storms and may collapse without warning. In densely populated areas, like Alexandria and Arlington, where trees are close to homes, vehicles, and neighboring properties, the risk is even higher. Prompt removal not only protects your property but also eliminates an unsightly hazard.
WARNING: Fairfax County still has many dead or dying ash trees from the emerald ash borer. Their wood is notoriously brittle, and they are likely to drop branches or fail. Have a professional company remove these trees as soon as possible for safety.
The Danger of Leaving Dead Trees Standing in Northern Virginia
In our industry, we have a saying, “No target, no hazard.” Even when a tree is dead and structurally weak, we don’t consider it hazardous unless there is a target within range. The three primary targets that we account for when determining when a tree is hazardous include:
Injuries to Anyone on the Property
A large shade tree weighs a lot, probably more than you might guess, reaching weights of over one ton at full maturity. When a tree comes down, the damage that amount of weight can do to anything in its path is staggering.
Residents saw the danger of dying and dead trees firsthand in May 2025, when two people died on Frye Street in Woodlawn after a tree fell on them.
Even a single branch dropping from a dead tree is heavy enough to cause severe injury or kill someone standing near the tree.
Damage to Your Home or Other Structures
A falling tree can easily damage the roof or destroy an entire section of your home if it hits with enough force. When this happens, you may be looking at a repair bill that can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Although homeowner’s insurance typically covers tree damage, you’ll face the headache of emergency removal before repairs can begin.
Danger to Down Power Lines and Public Utilities
Consider the majestic white oak on your property, towering nearly 100 feet tall. Even if you planted it in the right place, it probably is still within striking distance of nearby power lines.
And the danger is even more worrisome if a dead or dying tree is already touching power lines.
When a storm blows a dead tree over, it can come down on power lines. This will cause power outages in your neighborhood and create hazardous live wires that could harm someone. Removing any trees near power lines will keep everyone safe.
PRO TIP: Whenever a tree on your property is growing too close to a power line, contact Dominion and ask them about tree trimming.
Do You Need to Remove All Dead Trees?
Not necessarily – but it depends on location and risk. We recommend removing any dead tree that’s within striking distance of your home, vehicles, or high-traffic areas. However, if you live in a more rural part of Fairfax County, such as Fairfax Station or McLean, where there’s plenty of open space, leaving a dead tree standing may be an option.
Dead trees can provide valuable habitat for birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small wildlife. In the right setting, they can serve an ecological purpose without posing a safety threat.
When in doubt, it’s best to consult a Certified Arborist. They can assess the risk and let you know whether your dead tree is safe to keep or should be removed for your protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Trees
Now that you know the dangers of dead trees on your property, we’ll help you understand a few more aspects about them. Some of the frequently asked questions from homeowners on the topic include:
How can you tell if you have a dead tree on your property?
Some of the ways to check if a tree is dead include:
- No buds or leaves during the growing season
- Brittle branches that easily snap
- New lean to the tree
- Fungus growing at the tree’s base
How do you safely remove dead trees?
The method for removing dead trees depends on the condition of the tree, its size, and location. We typically use our tree removal crane when handling hazardous jobs, as it makes it safer and lowers the risk of injury or damage to your property. Don’t worry, we’ll go over our plan during the initial consultation.
How do trees die?
Trees can die for several reasons, including:
- Old age
- Pests
- Diseases
- Root problems
- Storm damage
How do you prepare for dead tree removal in Northern Virginia?
Some of the things we’ll ask you to do to prepare for tree removal include:
- Remove any nearby lawn decorations or furniture
- Keep all pets inside when we arrive
- Provide clear access to the tree
- Inform your neighbors about the work
How much does dead tree removal cost in Northern Virginia?
The price of tree removal can vary greatly, but in general, it typically costs more to remove a dead tree than a live one. Dead tree removal often comes with additional risks and increases the amount of equipment we’ll need.
Don’t Let a Dead Tree Put You at Risk – Call Green Vista Today!
Don’t gamble with your family’s safety. Green Vista’s expert removal team uses specialized crane equipment to safely eliminate dead tree hazards before they become emergencies.
We’ll examine the tree, create a safe and efficient removal plan, and carry it out with precision to protect your yard and home. Call us today at 571-244-3838 or request a quote online for tree removal.
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