By the Safer Trees Melbourne team · Updated 16/09/2026
Most trees give warning signs long before they fail. Knowing what to look for lets you act while the fix is still a prune rather than an emergency.
1. Dead branches in the canopy
Limbs with no leaves, peeling bark or brittle twigs can drop without warning, especially on hot, still days. Large deadwood over paths, roofs or play areas should be removed.
2. Cracks and splits
Deep vertical cracks in the trunk or large limbs, or a split where two stems meet, point to structural weakness. V-shaped unions with bark trapped between the stems are a common failure point.
3. A new or worsening lean
Many trees grow on a lean and are perfectly stable. A tree that has started leaning recently, particularly with soil heaving or cracking on the opposite side, is a different story and needs urgent attention.
4. Fungi at the base or on the trunk
Mushrooms, brackets or conks growing from the trunk or root zone can indicate internal decay. The tree may look healthy above while rotting from within.
5. Hollows and cavities
Some hollows are harmless, but large cavities reduce the amount of sound wood holding the tree up.
6. Root damage
Trenching for pipes, driveways and extensions can sever major roots. Trees often decline or become unstable a few years after nearby construction.
7. A thinning canopy
Sparse leaves, early leaf drop or dieback from the tips can signal stress, disease or root problems.
8. Storm damage
Hanging broken limbs, often called widowmakers, are one of the most dangerous situations in tree work. Keep clear and call a professional.
What to do if you notice these signs
Keep people and cars out from under the tree and get it assessed. Many problems can be fixed with pruning, while others need removal. If you need proof of the tree's condition for council, an arborist report will document it. If a tree is an immediate danger, call Andrew on 0405 788 646.