The trunk and the base
Certified arborists start at ground level. The trunk flare should be visible and widen gradually into the roots. A buried flare or soil build-up around the base can point to improper planting depth or decay.
Bark and crown warning signs
Bark tells a lot about what is happening inside a tree. The team checks for:
- Missing or loose bark
- Vertical cracks or splits, which need immediate attention
- Fungal growth or unusual swelling
- Insect activity or bore holes
In the crown, arborists look for a lopsided canopy, dead or dying upper branches, crossed or rubbing branches that create weak points, and early leaf drop. Specialised tools help them reach areas that are hard to see from the ground.
Who carries out the assessment
Trees Down Under’s AQF Level 3-5 certified arborists are fully licensed and insured, and the business is Cm3 certified. With 20+ years of experience and a 4.8/5 rating from 182+ Google reviews, the team knows what these warning signs mean in practice.
A tree rarely fails without warning. The signs are usually in the trunk base, the bark or the canopy, if you know where to look.
Joseph Khoury, Director & Founder, Trees Down Under