We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 questions the team gets asked by Canberra homeowners concerned about the health and safety of their trees. From yellowing leaves to borer damage, here are the top questions and some information on what they usually mean. We’ve tried to indicate which concerns require immediate action but if you have any tree safety concerns at all please contact TreeWorks for a free inspection and quote.
Tree splits can be dangerous
1. My tree’s leaves are turning yellow — is it dying?
Not necessarily. Yellowing leaves are often caused by lack of water stress, nutrient deficiency, or compacted soil, but can also result from too much water.
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If the soil feels soggy or spongy days after rain, the tree may be waterlogged. Improve drainage, or redirect runoff away from the base.
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If the tree is too dry, water deeply and slowly so moisture reaches 30–40 cm below the surface.
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Consistent yellowing across the canopy often signals overwatering; patchy or scorched leaves usually indicate drought stress.
2. Branches are dying back from the top — what’s happening?
This can indicate root stress, borers, or fungal dieback. When water or nutrients can’t reach the canopy, the upper limbs decline first.
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Remove deadwood to reduce weight and improve airflow.
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Arrange an arborist inspection to check for borers or disease before decay spreads.
3. There’s sawdust at the base of my tree — do I have borers?
Possibly. Small holes in the trunk or branches and piles of fine sawdust (called frass) are typical signs of borer activity.
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Early intervention is important. TreeWorks can assess damage, prune affected limbs, and apply targeted treatment to prevent internal decay.
4. The bark is splitting — should I be worried?
Cracks can develop from heat stress, frost, or rapid growth.
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Minor splits often close naturally, but deeper ones may indicate internal decay or structural weakness.
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Avoid painting or sealing the wound. Instead, have it inspected to determine whether cabling, pruning, or monitoring is required.
5. My tree leans after heavy rain — is it safe?
A new or worsening lean can indicate root instability or partial uprooting after saturated soil and wind.
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Avoid standing or parking near the tree.
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TreeWorks can check root anchorage and soil condition to determine if corrective pruning, staking, or removal is needed.
6. The tree’s growing shoots from the base — what are these?
These are suckers or epicormic shoots, a common stress response to drought, root disturbance, or heavy pruning.
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Remove them regularly at the base to redirect energy to the main canopy.
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Persistent regrowth can indicate the tree is under environmental stress and may benefit from soil aeration or mulching.
7. I’ve noticed mushrooms or fungus at the base — does that mean rot?
Not always, but fungal growth near the trunk can indicate root or butt rot, especially in damp soils.
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Check for soft wood, oozing sap, or cracking near the base.
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Improve drainage and remove mulch directly against the trunk.
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TreeWorks can test stability and determine if the tree remains structurally sound.
8. My tree looks fine but dropped a big branch — why?
This is often sudden limb drop, a phenomenon linked to internal weakness, trapped moisture, or extreme heat.
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It can occur without warning, even in healthy-looking trees.
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Regular pruning, canopy thinning, and inspection reduce the risk of limb failure — particularly in large eucalypts and elms.
9. There’s a big fork or cavity in my tree — will it split?
It might. Forked trunks and cavities often form where two limbs grew too closely together, trapping bark (“included bark”) or after storm damage.
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These points are structurally weak and may split under wind or branch weight.
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TreeWorks can inspect the junction and recommend pruning, cabling, bracing, or monitoring to keep the tree safe.
10. What are those tiny holes in my elm leaves?
That’s the elm leaf beetle, a common summer pest in Canberra.
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Adult beetles and their larvae chew between the leaf veins, leaving small “shot holes.”
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Severe infestations cause premature leaf drop and long-term canopy thinning.
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TreeWorks offers environmentally responsible treatments to control beetles and protect elm trees through the growing season.
10. “What are those pot holes all through my elm leaves?”
That’s the elm leaf beetle at work — one of Canberra’s most common summer pests. Adult beetles and their larvae feed between the veins of elm leaves, leaving them riddled with small “shot holes.” Heavy infestations can defoliate trees and weaken them over time. TreeWorks offers targeted, environmentally responsible treatments to control the beetles and protect your elms through the growing season.
TreeWorks’ qualified arborists can identify what’s really happening with your trees — and recommend the safest, most effective treatment. Regular maintenance helps keep your garden healthy, safe, and resilient year-round.