Brisbane Southside and the Gold Coast both experience heavy rainfall, strong winds and severe storms, all of which can affect trees over time.
Some changes in a tree are part of normal growth, while others can indicate structural problems, declining health or damage that warrants a closer look. Professional arborists in Brisbane Southside can assess the tree and determine whether pruning, monitoring or other work is required.
Here are seven warning signs that it may be time to call an arborist.
1
Cracks or Splits in the Trunk or Large Branches
Cracks or splits in the trunk or major branches are worth paying attention to, particularly if they are new, increasing in size or located where large branches join the trunk.
Some cracks are relatively minor, while others can be associated with structural weakness, decay or previous storm damage. An arborist can assess the location and extent of the crack and determine whether the tree requires pruning, monitoring or further investigation.
2
Dead or Dying Branches
Dead branches may appear dry, brittle or leafless when the surrounding canopy is still growing normally. You may also notice broken branch tips, missing bark or sections of the canopy that are no longer producing foliage.
Larger dead branches can present a risk if they fall, particularly over driveways, buildings, walkways or other frequently used areas. If significant sections of the canopy are dying back, an arborist can also investigate what may be causing the decline.
3
A New or Increasing Lean
Some trees naturally grow on an angle and may remain that way for many years. What is more concerning is a lean that has recently appeared or is becoming more pronounced.
Changes such as lifting or cracking soil around the base, exposed roots or movement in the root plate can also warrant professional assessment, particularly after heavy rain or storms.
An arborist can assess whether the lean is part of the tree’s normal growth or associated with a structural or root problem.
4
Root Damage or Changes Around the Base
Roots play an important role in supporting a tree, so visible changes around the base can be significant.
Warning signs can include damaged or exposed roots, soil lifting or cracking around the base, excavation or construction close to the tree, or changes to the surrounding ground level.
Fungal growth around the base can also warrant investigation, although mushrooms alone do not necessarily mean that the tree is unsafe. An arborist can assess the roots, surrounding soil and tree together rather than relying on one sign alone.
5
Fungal Growth or Decay
Fungal growth on or around a tree can sometimes be associated with decaying wood, particularly where fruiting bodies appear around the trunk, major branches or root zone.
Other signs worth watching for include cavities, soft or crumbling wood, areas of missing bark or visible decay around old wounds.
Not all fungi indicate a serious structural problem, so the location and type of growth need to be considered alongside the overall condition of the tree. If fungal growth appears alongside other changes such as dieback, cracking or declining canopy health, professional assessment is worthwhile.
6
Early Leaf Drop or Discolouration
Changes in foliage can provide an early indication that a tree is under stress. This may include unusual leaf loss, yellowing or browning, sparse foliage or sections of the canopy that are no longer growing normally.
There are many possible causes, including seasonal conditions, water stress, pests, disease, root disturbance or other environmental factors. Rather than diagnosing the problem from leaf colour alone, an arborist can assess the foliage together with the rest of the tree and its growing conditions.
7
Storm Damage
After a major storm, look for hanging or broken branches, split limbs, trunk damage, exposed roots or a tree that has developed a new lean.
Not all storm damage is immediately obvious. A tree may remain standing while branches, trunk unions or the root system have been affected.
If a large tree has sustained significant storm damage, particularly near a home, driveway, powerlines or other frequently used areas, an arborist can assess the damage and recommend appropriate pruning, monitoring or removal.
When to Have a Tree Professionally Assessed
A single change doesn’t necessarily mean a tree needs to be removed. However, new cracks, significant deadwood, a developing lean, root disturbance, fungal growth, canopy decline or storm damage can all be reasons to have the tree assessed.
Treesafe provides professional arborist services in Brisbane Southside, helping property owners assess tree health and structural concerns and determine what action, if any, is required.
Early assessment can also provide more options for managing a tree before a problem becomes more difficult to address.