Common Tree Branch Problems And Their Solutions

Tree branches can cause all sorts of problems when they’re left unattended. Some break off on their own and fall, while others hang around too long, getting in the way or making a tree look lopsided. In some cases, they may even pose a safety risk if they’re leaning over homes or sidewalks. Knowing how to recognize branch problems before they turn into something worse can save a lot of time, money, and stress. It also helps preserve the health of the entire tree.

Fall is a great time to take a closer look at your trees. With leaves beginning to shed and summer damage becoming more visible, problem branches tend to show up more clearly. Whether it’s a dead limb just waiting to fall or an overgrown arm stretching toward power lines, spotting warning signs early on gives you a chance to fix the issue before colder weather makes tree work harder or more dangerous.

Dead Or Dying Branches

Dead or dying branches are often the most noticeable, yet they can sit undisturbed for months before someone responds. You can usually spot them by how dry, brittle, or bare they look, especially when all the surrounding limbs still have some green on them. If the tree’s in pretty good shape otherwise, a completely bare branch might be the only thing that looks off.

Common causes of dead branches include:

- Old age or natural thinning in mature trees

- Fungal infections or pests that attack one part of the tree

- Winter damage that leads to cracks or internal rot

- Lack of sunlight beneath a thick canopy

Sometimes, the heaviness of snow or ice during winter ends up finishing off a weak branch that was struggling through spring and summer. That’s why spotting these early in the fall makes a difference. You’ve got a weather window to handle the problem safely.

Removing dead wood before it falls helps protect surrounding branches, nearby buildings, and people. It also allows the tree to shift energy to healthier parts, giving it a better chance of growing strong next season. Once removed, the tree tends to take on a better shape and airflow improves, which makes it less prone to disease.

Overgrown Branches

Overgrown branches can be more sneaky than dead ones. They still grow leaves and often seem healthy on the outside, but they can throw off the balance of the whole tree. You might notice a branch stretching out far past the others or one reaching over your roof, fence, or driveway. If it’s growing too close to power lines or hanging low above a sidewalk, that’s a sign it's time to step in.

Here are some ways to tell if a branch has outgrown its place:

- It rubs against another branch, causing bark damage

- It makes contact with your home or garage when the wind blows

- It's blocking sunlight from reaching plants or grass below

- The tree looks heavier on one side or is leaning

Letting trees get too top-heavy can lead to breakage during high winds. In Joplin, storms aren’t rare, and they can do real damage when the heavy part of a tree isn’t trimmed and balanced. Fall is usually mild enough to manage the trimming safely, with less risk of shock to the tree.

Shaping overgrown branches isn’t just about looks, though a neat tree always helps curb appeal. It keeps weight evenly spread and allows room for new, healthy growth come spring. Pruning helps the tree stay strong during the colder months, reducing the chance of freeze damage to the tips.

Diseased Branches

Some branch problems show up quietly, and that’s often the case with disease. A branch might look fine at first glance, but when you get closer, signs of trouble start to show. Maybe the leaves are spotted or curling oddly. Sometimes there’s black mold, cankers, or small wounds on the bark. If you see oozing sap or weird growths, those are clear warnings to take seriously.

In Joplin, common tree diseases often come from humidity, compacted soil, or seasonal stress. Things like oak wilt, anthracnose, and fire blight affect different species in the area. Some move quickly, spreading from one branch to others and even jumping to neighboring trees, especially if pruning tools aren’t cleaned between uses.

The safest way to deal with a diseased branch is to:

- Identify it early through visual signs

- Cut the branch during a dry spell to avoid spreading spores

- Disinfect tools between cuts to stop contamination

- Dispose of infected clippings away from healthy trees

Diseased branches left untouched can cause major damage over time. Removing them keeps the infection from spreading and gives healthier parts of the tree a better shot at recovery. If you’re unsure whether a branch is sick or just damaged, it’s better to ask an expert. Certain fungal diseases are hard to spot without experience.

Branches Damaged By Storms

Joplin weather can throw a lot at your yard, especially during fall storms and the early cold snaps. When branches get hit hard by wind, rain, or ice, they may not break off right away. Some hang cracked and risky, waiting for the next gust to bring them down. Others snap halfway and still hang there, caught on other limbs.

After a storm, it’s smart to walk around and check all your trees. Some damage is easy to spot, like large branches on the ground. But don’t skip looking up. A big split high in the tree can crash down days or even weeks later if nobody notices.

If you spot storm damage:

1. Look for branches that are leaning, cracked, or twisted out of shape

2. Check for bark tearing or splitting near attachment points

3. Remove broken limbs quickly before they fall on their own

4. Support partial breaks if the branch can still recover, especially in high-value trees

5. Prune cuts carefully to avoid tearing further into the trunk

It’s not just about cleaning up the mess. Acting quickly helps stop damage from spreading. If a tear leaves part of the tree exposed, it can open the door to insects and disease. Taking preventive action not only avoids future breakage, it helps the tree heal faster.

What Regular Tree Checks Can Prevent

The best way to avoid serious tree problems is by checking in regularly. When you understand how to spot signs like dead wood, poor shape, strange leaf color, or loose bark, you can act early before things get worse. A small issue today can tip into bigger trouble once the weather shifts.

Healthy trees aren’t just safer during storms and dry spells. They also grow better, live longer, and add more value to your yard. Regular trimming helps your trees grow in the right direction, keeps weight balanced, and prevents branches from rubbing or overcrowding.

Professional help may be needed when trees are too tall to reach safely or when issues aren't easy to diagnose. A trained eye can spot hidden risks that others often miss. This helps your trees recover faster and stay strong across every season.

Whether you’ve got one aging maple or a whole yard full of trees, keeping an eye on branch health goes a long way. Maintenance now means fewer emergencies later. By catching problems early and keeping trees in good shape, you’ll enjoy a safer, tidier, and more vibrant yard all year long.

If you're in Joplin and want to keep your trees healthy year-round, professional help can make all the difference. Swartz Tree Service offers reliable tree branch removal to help manage overgrowth, storm damage, or disease while making your yard safer and more attractive.