The Signs Your Trees Need A Professional Arborist Inspection
Growing trees adds character and value to a property. However, when a tree begins to exhibit warning signs, it can become a liability. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or commercial property owner, you want your trees to be healthy, safe, and compliant. In this post, we’ll walk through eight clear indicators that it’s time for a professional arborist inspection. These signs often indicate underlying issues and are directly related to the tree inspection services provided by a tree services company. By becoming aware of these issues, you can take action before minor problems escalate into damage or costly removal.
When Branches Start Dropping without Warning, It’s Time to Call an Arborist.
When you notice large branches falling off a tree seemingly out of nowhere, it’s not simply bad luck—it’s a red flag. A professional arborist inspection is designed to assess structural stability, look for internal decay, and evaluate the safety of the tree.
- Falling branches may indicate hidden rot, weakened attachment or internal cracks.
- The canopy may look fine, but the branch support may be compromised deep inside the limb.
- During the inspection, an arborist will examine major limbs, union points and any overhead hazards.
Taking action quickly ensures you minimise risk to people, property and surrounding vegetation.
Spotting Cracks or Splits in The Trunk? Don’t Ignore Them.
When you see vertical or horizontal splits in the trunk, the stability of the entire tree might be in question. A certified arborist inspection will determine the severity of the defect and whether remedial work or removal is required.
What the inspection covers:
- Checking for fissures, open cracks, trunk cavities or exposed wood.
- Evaluating the potential of internal decay or compromised structural strength.
- Making recommendations for pruning, bracing or full removal depending on risk.
Cracks may worsen over time—especially under high‑wind conditions—so addressing them early matters.
Fungi at The Base of Your Tree Could Mean Serious Internal Rot.
Fungal growth, such as mushrooms or bracket fungi, near the base or on the trunk sends a clear message: the tree may be decaying internally. A professional arborist's tree inspection helps you understand the root of the issue and how to proceed.
- Fungal presence often indicates compromised structural integrity within the tree.
- Root or trunk decay can jeopardise the tree’s stability and overall health.
- During the inspection, arborists check root health, soil condition and fungal indicators.
By catching the issue early, you may still retain the tree safely rather than wait until it fails.
Are Your Trees Leaning More than Usual After a Storm?
After extreme weather, the lean of a tree might seem harmless—but it can reflect root damage, soil movement or compromised anchoring. A tree services company can inspect and assess whether the lean poses a hazard or is part of a normal growth pattern.
- Leaning may follow soil disturbance, root loss or severe wind stress.
- The inspection will check root flare visibility, ground movement and base stability.
- Recommendations may include cable support, root‑zone treatment or selective removal.
Especially in a region exposed to storms, having an arborist assess the lean is a wise precaution.
Sparse Foliage & Discoloured Leaves Aren’t Just Seasonal.
If a tree’s canopy looks thin, leaves are smaller than usual or discoloured beyond what you'd expect seasonally, it may signal internal distress. An arborist inspection goes beyond the visible symptoms to identify underlying causes.
- Reduced leaf density, early leaf drop, or unusual colour change can indicate disease, pests, or nutrient stress.
- The inspection covers foliage health, pest signs, soil nutrient levels and other indicators.
- An arborist may recommend treatment, pruning, or soil remediation to restore the health of the tree.
A tree that appears weak is often weak—addressing the root causes can prevent collapse.
Nearby Construction Can Silently Damage Your Tree’s Root System.
Trees often suffer unseen damage during building work, landscaping or when soil levels change. Even if nothing appears wrong above ground yet, a professional arborist's tree inspection can reassure you or identify potential risks early.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate how construction affects trees:
| Construction Activity | Risk to Tree | What the Inspection Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation near the tree base | Roots cut or exposed | Integrity of root flare and buttress |
| Soil compaction/filling | Root oxygen deprivation or stress | Soil condition, root health signs |
| Change in ground level | Root suffocation or instability | Root flare visibility, slope changes |
An arborist will assess soil, roots and the tree’s response to changes around it. This helps prevent serious structural issues that may not yet be visible.
Signs of Pest Infestation? An Arborist Can Tell What’s Superficial and What’s Serious.
If you notice holes in bark, sap oozing or unusual insect activity, it may not just be a nuisance—it could be a serious threat. A professional inspection helps determine the scale of the problem and the right response.
During the inspection, the arborist will:
- Look for insect galleries, bore holes, frass and pest trails.
- Check for dieback, abnormal growths, cankers or fungal associations.
- Recommend treatment, monitoring or removal depending on severity.
Getting help early means preserving the tree instead of discovering the problem after it has caused major damage.
Compliance Checks: When Local Councils Require a Professional Report.
Some properties require tree reports for development, safety, or insurance purposes. An arborist can provide the inspection, documentation, and mitigation plan needed to meet these obligations.
- The inspection confirms species, condition, hazard level and recommended actions.
- The report may be required for building permits, property transactions or insurance purposes.
- The arborist’s findings support responsible asset management of trees on commercial or residential land.
If you manage property or have multiple trees under your care, this service is worth scheduling proactively.
Book a Professional Arborist for Tree Services on the Gold Coast
If you manage trees and you’ve spotted any of these signs—or simply haven’t had an inspection for a while—it’s time to act. Whether it’s safety, health or compliance, having a professional arborist assess your trees offers peace of mind and protects your property.
For expert help, contact us at Tree & Stump Works to book a professional arborist tree inspection. We’ll review your trees, identify any issues and provide clear recommendations. Let’s ensure your green assets remain safe and healthy for years to come.
