PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — If you have a dead or dying tree on your property, it’s not just an eyesore, it can be a safety hazard too. So when is the best time to remove a tree?

Trees can add value to your property.

“A well-maintained tree can add as much as 15 percent to the value of your home,” says Angie Hicks, of Angie’s List.

But each year, thousands of trees are damaged by storms, wind, lightning and ice, causing millions of dollars in property damage.

If you have a dead or damaged tree, Angie’s List recommends having a professional come take a look.

“Trees need checkups just like people do,” says Hicks. “Having a certified arborist come and examine your trees annually can help you prevent potential problems, catch disease early and protect that landscape asset.”

And, when picking someone to take care of a tree that needs to come down, it’s important to ask for proof of insurance.

“You want to make sure they have the proper insurance because the last thing you want is someone getting hurt on your property, or when those limbs are dropped, it causes any damage to your property,” added Hicks.

When you are getting estimates, ask if cleanup and disposal are part of the deal.

Stump removal is usually an additional cost; so, find out how much that will be so there are no surprises in the end.

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