Signs You Need Tree Removal This Winter (Wichita Falls Edition)

Winter in Wichita Falls, TX brings crisp mornings, holiday lights, and—if you’re a homeowner—unique challenges for your landscape. Among the most serious is knowing when a tree on your property poses a real danger. Greenwood Landscaping has worked with residents and businesses in Wichita Falls, Pleasant Valley, Burkburnett, Henrietta, Archer City, and Lakeside City for over two decades, and we know how vital it is to identify tree hazards early, especially before a deep freeze or winter storm hits.

Is it really necessary to remove a tree in winter? Absolutely. Winter tree removal is often safer, more efficient, and less disruptive to your property than in spring or summer. 

Here’s how to spot the warning signs—and what to do next.

1. The Tree Is Leaning or Shifting

A tree that suddenly starts leaning or seems to shift after storms or windy days is a clear red flag. Common signs include:

• The lean is new or more pronounced than before
• Ground around the trunk looks cracked, raised, or spongy
• The tree’s movement seems to worsen after heavy winds or freezes.

Leaning trees are especially risky after North Texas cold snaps. A single icy night in Wichita Falls can be enough to send a weakened tree toppling onto homes, fences, or power lines.

2. Large Dead Branches Near Your Home

Deadwood can be easy to overlook until it becomes a winter emergency. In colder weather, dead limbs get even more brittle and prone to snapping under the weight of snow, ice, or heavy winter winds. Above all, look out for:

• Thick, pale, or completely leafless branches lingering high above roofs or driveways
• Limbs that “shed” bark or drop twigs frequently
• Branches that don’t bud after the first spring thaw (a sign they’re already dead).

3. Signs of Rot, Hollow Spots, or Fungal Growth

Noticed soft, spongy wood, peeling bark, or mushrooms at the base of your tree? Internal decay can be invisible until it’s too late. Look for:

• Mushrooms or fungi growing on the trunk or roots
• Soft, crumbly spots or sawdust near the base
• Hollow-sounding trunks or holes where sections of bark have fallen off.

According to local arborists, fungi and rot thrive in our region’s moist winter conditions, speeding up decay.

4. Severe Storm Damage

Did your tree survive a Wichita Falls windstorm? Trees with major cracks, hanging branches, or visible root damage rarely recover safely. The “People Also Ask” section on Google frequently includes, “Can you remove a tree in winter?”—and the answer is yes, especially if storm damage has compromised its structure. Greenwood Landscaping provides quick emergency tree removal to keep your property and family safe.

5. Proximity to Structures and Utilities

Roots or branches that encroach on foundations, driveways, fences, or underground utilities present a risk not only to your home but also to your wallet. Removing a problematic tree now can prevent expensive spring repairs. Watch for:

• Tree limbs brushing roofs, windows, or siding
• Roots lifting sidewalks, patios, or driveways
• Trees interfering with power lines, especially when weighed down by ice.

Why Choose Winter for Tree Removal?

Wichita Falls homeowners are often surprised to learn that winter is the best time for tree removal. Here’s why:

• Frozen soil protects lawns and landscape beds from heavy equipment
• Trees are lighter and easier to handle with no leaves
• Crews have better visibility and access to branches and trunk
• Faster scheduling and potentially better rates due to off-peak demand.

Need Tree Removal in Wichita Falls or Surrounding Areas?

Don’t wait until a winter storm causes costly damage. Greenwood Landscaping specializes in safe, insured winter tree removal throughout Wichita Falls and its neighboring communities. Whether you’re concerned about a leaning oak in Henrietta or a storm-damaged pecan in Archer City, our team is ready to help.

Call Greenwood Landscaping today for a free, no-obligation quote!