BACKJAN 15, 2026
It’s a sight that makes any homeowner a little nervous: a large, leafless branch hanging ominously over your yard, your roof, or your driveway. Whether it’s from storm damage, disease, or just the natural life cycle of the tree, dead or diseased limbs are more than just an eyesore—they're a potential hazard.
Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Maintenance overview.
Falling branches are a significant cause of property damage and personal injury in the United States. According to the Tree Care Industry Association, issues related to falling trees or branches can cause damage costing homeowners thousands of dollars to repair. More importantly, they pose a serious safety risk to you, your family, and anyone visiting your property.
But don't worry, we're here to walk you through it. As your friendly home maintenance experts, we’ll help you assess the situation, determine what you can safely handle yourself, and know exactly when it’s time to call in a professional. Let's get that tree healthy and your yard safe again.
Before you grab your tools, you need to be sure you’re looking at a problem branch. Sometimes a branch can lose its leaves late in the season and still be healthy. Here’s what to look for:
Before a single cut is made, safety must be your top priority. Tree work can be dangerous, and a proper assessment will tell you if this is a DIY job or one for the pros.
What you’ll need:
Here’s what to do:
Now, ask yourself this critical question: Are any of the dead or diseased limbs within 10 feet of a power line, directly over a structure, or hanging above a high-traffic area?
If you answered YES, stop right here. This is not a DIY job. Working near power lines can be fatal, and removing heavy branches over a structure requires specialized equipment, training, and insurance. It's time to call a certified arborist.
If you answered NO, you can proceed to the next assessment step.
Just because a branch isn't near a power line doesn't automatically make it a DIY project. The size and location of the limb are the next deciding factors.
Question 1: Are most of the affected limbs less than 1 inch thick and easily reachable from the ground? If yes, great! This is something you can likely handle with a pair of hand pruners. Proceed to the "How to Prune Small Limbs" section below.
Question 2: If not, are any of the affected limbs between 1 and 3 inches thick and reachable from the ground without climbing on anything? If yes, you can probably tackle this with a pruning saw. Proceed to the "How to Prune Medium Limbs" section.
If the limbs are thicker than 3 inches or require a ladder to reach, you should call a certified arborist. Using a saw on a ladder is extremely dangerous without proper training and safety equipment. Large limbs are incredibly heavy and can behave unpredictably when cut, creating a significant risk of injury.
For small, easily accessible dead branches, a clean cut is all you need to help your tree heal and look its best.
Tools needed:
Instructions:
After you’ve removed the small limbs, take another look at the tree. Do you see other dead limbs higher up, or major signs of decay on the trunk like mushrooms or large cracks? If so, the problem might be more serious than just a few dead twigs. It’s best to get a professional opinion from an arborist.
Removing slightly larger branches requires a pruning saw and a specific technique called the "three-cut method." This method prevents the weight of the branch from tearing a strip of bark off the trunk as it falls, which would create a large, damaging wound.
Tools needed:
Instructions:
To recap, it's time to put down the tools and pick up the phone to call a certified arborist if you encounter any of the following:
Hiring a certified arborist isn't just about getting the job done; it's an investment in your safety and your property's value. A consultation might cost between $75 and $150, while specific pruning jobs can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the complexity. These professionals are trained in safe removal techniques, are fully insured, and can diagnose underlying health issues you might miss.
Taking care of your trees is a vital part of home maintenance, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. From seasonal check-ups to unexpected repairs, managing a home can feel overwhelming.
That’s where the Casa app comes in. We’ve designed it to be your go-to partner for all things home maintenance. You can follow our easy step-by-step DIY guides (like this one!), set reminders for important tasks, and when a job is too big to handle, Casa can connect you with trusted, certified professionals in your area.
Download the Casa app today and take the guesswork out of homeownership. Your home—and your trees—will thank you.
