You know that uneasy feeling when you walk outside after a Kansas City storm and see a massive tree limb dangling over your driveway? Yeah — that’s your tree’s way of waving a red flag.
Falling or hanging branches aren’t just messy; they’re warning signs. A healthy tree shouldn’t regularly shed large limbs or drop branches without cause. When it does, it could mean structural weakness, internal decay, or disease — and it’s time to take a closer look before someone (or something) gets hurt.
At Cartwright Tree Care, we see this all the time throughout the Kansas City metro — from the old oaks lining Brookside Boulevard to the towering maples in Overland Park and Lee’s Summit. While some light shedding is normal, large or frequent limb loss can signal that it’s time to consider professional pruning or even full tree removal.
A single heavy limb can weigh hundreds of pounds. When one drops unexpectedly — especially near homes, sidewalks, or play areas — it’s a serious hazard.
We’ve seen falling limbs damage roofs, vehicles, fences, and outdoor furniture. More importantly, they can cause serious injuries. And when branches hang loosely after a storm, they’re essentially ticking time bombs waiting for the next strong gust of wind.
If your tree has dangling limbs or snapped branches, avoid walking or parking beneath it until it’s been inspected by a certified arborist.
Healthy trees are built to withstand normal Kansas City weather, but a combination of factors can weaken their structure over time. Here are the most common reasons we see large limbs fall:
Storm Damage: High winds, ice accumulation, or lightning can snap even sturdy branches.
Disease or Decay: Internal rot weakens wood fibers, making branches brittle.
Improper Pruning: Over-trimming or “topping” trees leaves them vulnerable to breakage.
Overextended Canopies: Large, unbalanced crowns create weight stress during storms.
Root Damage or Soil Compaction: Weak roots mean less stability, even for strong upper limbs.
When large limbs start breaking more often, it’s often a sign the tree’s structure or root system is compromised — and that removal might soon be necessary.
If you notice any of these symptoms, call a professional before the next storm rolls through:
Hanging or broken limbs caught in the canopy
Cracks or splits in the trunk or major branches
Deadwood or brittle limbs that snap easily
Fungus or mushrooms growing near the base
Sections of the tree that don’t leaf out in spring
These are all signs that your tree may be in decline — and that pruning or removal could prevent much bigger (and more expensive) problems later.
Sometimes a damaged limb is all that needs to go. Other times, it’s a symptom of a deeper problem. If your arborist finds significant decay or structural imbalance, tree removal might be the safest option.
Removing a compromised tree not only protects your home and family but also makes space for new, healthy growth — whether it’s a native oak, redbud, or maple that thrives in our Kansas City climate.
At Cartwright Tree Care, we’re trained to spot the difference between a tree that needs pruning and one that’s reached the end of its life.
Our team provides:
Tree health inspections to identify structural risks
Storm cleanup and emergency branch removal
Professional pruning to restore balance and reduce hazards
Safe, efficient tree removals when necessary
Whether your property is near Loose Park, Swope Park, or in Blue Springs, we’ll help you make the right call — safely, efficiently, and with care for your landscape.
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your inspection or learn more about our Tree Removal Services. If large limbs are falling or hanging, it’s time to take action before nature does it for you.