Is Your Tree a Hazard?
In the Hills District, we are lucky to be surrounded by magnificent Eucalypts, Turpentines, and Oaks. These trees add immense value to our properties, but they are also living organisms that change with age and weather.
While a tree might look sturdy from your kitchen window, hidden issues like internal rot or root instability can turn a garden asset into a major liability. At Hills Professional Arborists, we believe the best tree management is proactive. Here are five signs it’s time to book a professional health assessment.
1. Visible Fungi or Mushrooms at the Base
If you spot mushrooms or “brackets” growing around the base of the trunk or on the roots, take notice. Fungi like Armillaria (Root Rot) or Ganoderma (Butt Rot) are often signs of internal decay. These fungi feed on the structural wood of the tree; by the time you see the mushrooms, the internal damage may already be significant, compromising the tree’s stability.
2. Thinning Canopy and Dieback
Is the top of your tree looking sparse? “Dieback” occurs when branches at the very edge of the canopy start dying off. This is often a tree’s way of saying it’s stressed—potentially from soil compaction, pests, or changing water levels. A certified arborist can diagnose the cause and often save the tree through deep-root fertilisation or strategic pruning before it becomes terminal.
3. Deep Cracks or Peeling Bark
While some bark shedding is natural (especially for our local Gums), deep vertical cracks in the trunk or areas where large sections of bark are falling away can indicate structural weakness. These “cankers” or splits are often entry points for pests and disease, and they may signal that the tree is struggling to support its own weight.
4. Soil Heaving or Root Damage
Take a look at the ground around your tree’s base. If you notice the soil is lifting, or there are fresh cracks in the earth on one side of the tree, it could be “heaving.” This often happens after heavy rain or high winds and suggests the root system is moving. This is a high-priority safety risk that requires an immediate professional inspection to prevent a total collapse.
5. Recent Construction or Trenching
If you’ve recently done a renovation, put in a new driveway, or dug trenches for plumbing, your trees might be in trouble. Most of a tree’s vital roots are in the top 30cm of soil. Excavation within the “Root Protection Zone” can cause “slow-motion” decline that might not show symptoms for a year or two. An assessment can help implement a recovery plan to protect your greenery post-construction.
Why a “Professional” Opinion Matters
In Australia, and specifically within The Hills Shire, council regulations for tree removal are strict. If you want to prune or remove a tree, you often need an Arborist Report to prove the tree is unhealthy or dangerous.
Our licensed and ISA-certified team provides comprehensive health checks. We don’t just look at the leaves; we assess the biology and structure of the entire tree, giving you peace of mind and a clear path forward.
Don’t wait for the next big storm to test your trees. [Book a professional health assessment with Hills Professional Arborists today] and ensure your backyard remains a safe, beautiful place for your family.
