How to Tell If Your Tree Is Sick—and What Lopping Can (and Can’t) Fix

 

Trees are a huge part of our homes and neighbourhoods, but even the healthiest-looking ones can hide a problem beneath the bark. If you’re wondering how to tell if your tree is sick—and what lopping can (and can’t) fix, you’re not alone. Across Perth’s northern suburbs, more homeowners are turning to experts like Real Tree Solutions to diagnose and treat their trees before things get out of hand.

Let’s break it down: spotting early signs of a sick tree could mean the difference between a simple fix and a costly removal. And while tree lopping is often thrown around as a cure-all, it’s not always the hero people think it is. So, how do you separate fact from fiction? Read on.

The Early Warning Signs Your Tree Could Be Sick

One of the clearest indicators of tree health lies in its leaves. Are they discoloured, curling, or falling prematurely? That’s not just nature doing its thing — it could be stress, disease, or root damage.

Another red flag: dead or brittle branches. If you walk underneath and find large sticks dropping without wind or storm, that’s your tree’s version of crying out for help.

In the Perth Northern Suburbs, Real Tree Solutions frequently gets calls from concerned homeowners after spotting mushrooms growing at the tree base. Fungi are often a sign of internal rot — a hidden but serious issue.

Let’s not forget cracks in the trunk or signs of pests. If you’re seeing beetles or borers boring into the bark, or noticing sap oozing out abnormally, don’t ignore it. These subtle symptoms can quickly evolve into dangerous problems, especially in residential areas where a falling limb is more than an inconvenience — it’s a safety hazard.

Understanding What Tree Lopping Can Fix

So you’ve identified a problem. The big question now is whether tree lopping can help.

Lopping — cutting off large limbs or branches — has a specific purpose. It can be effective in removing deadwood, reducing weight on a leaning trunk, or eliminating pest-infested limbs. For instance, if a large gum tree in your backyard has a few rotting upper branches, a strategic lopping session might restore balance and improve sunlight penetration for the lower canopy.

Companies like Real Tree Solutions in Perth Northern Suburbs know how to carry out targeted lopping that keeps the tree’s health in mind, rather than just hacking away at branches for aesthetic reasons.

In some cases, lopping can help reshape a tree that’s growing too close to power lines or buildings. It’s also used when a tree’s structure has been compromised by high winds, helping to prevent future breakage.

What Tree Lopping Can’t Fix

Here’s where people get it wrong. Tree lopping isn’t a miracle fix for deeply rooted health issues. If the tree is suffering from root rot, systemic disease, or internal decay, cutting off the top won’t make it bounce back. In fact, excessive lopping can actually weaken a tree further by exposing large wounds to bacteria and fungi.

One example from Real Tree Solutions involved a mature marri tree with visible bark splitting and canopy thinning. The homeowner believed a quick lop would solve the issue. But after an expert inspection, it turned out the tree had Phytophthora dieback — a soil-borne disease that lopping couldn’t touch.

Lopping also doesn’t reverse poor soil conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or infestations that have reached the trunk or roots. If your tree is already leaning or its bark is falling off in sheets, lopping may delay the inevitable — but it won’t prevent it.

When to Call in the Pros

You wouldn’t self-diagnose a serious illness without a doctor’s help — the same logic applies here. Calling a professional arborist is the best way to determine whether your tree is sick, how far it’s progressed, and whether tree lopping is a viable solution or just a band-aid.

In the Perth Northern Suburbs, Real Tree Solutions offers assessments that don’t just look at the surface but consider the overall structure, root health, and long-term prognosis.

A qualified arborist will also know when removal is the only safe option, which can save you time, money, and risk in the long run.

Real-Life Case: The Lemon-Scented Gum Dilemma

Let’s take the case of a homeowner in Joondalup who noticed a split in the trunk of their lemon-scented gum tree. They’d been trimming it themselves for years but recently noticed the split growing. After calling Real Tree Solutions, an inspection revealed that the tree’s core was rotting from the inside out.

A basic lopping job would’ve been dangerous. Instead, the tree had to be removed before it could fall onto the neighbouring property. It was a wake-up call: sometimes, cosmetic fixes just won’t cut it.

Prevention is Always Better Than Cure

Want to avoid the need for major lopping or removal altogether? Keep an eye on your tree’s overall health year-round.

Regular watering (but not overwatering), mulching around the base, avoiding compaction of soil around the roots, and periodic inspections are key. Keep an eye out for signs of disease or insect activity, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or drought when trees are most vulnerable.

Even pruning, when done professionally, can go a long way in preventing structural issues. Pruning encourages healthy growth and removes potentially dangerous limbs before they become a problem — and it’s less invasive than full-blown tree lopping.

Tree Lopping: Strategic, Not Routine

Here’s the truth: tree lopping should never be done just because it’s “that time of year.” It should be done for a reason, with a clear objective and in a way that benefits the tree long-term.

That’s why trusting experts like Real Tree Solutions matters. They understand the local tree species, climate pressures, and soil types that affect tree health in Perth Northern Suburbs. Their work isn’t just about cutting — it’s about preserving life where possible, and safely removing risks when necessary.

Final Thoughts on Sick Trees and Lopping Limits

If you’re serious about how to tell if your tree is sick—and what lopping can (and can’t) fix, start by stepping outside and really looking at your trees. What do you see? Healthy leaves, firm branches, upright posture? Or are there signs of stress — from fungi to failing limbs?

Don’t play guessing games with something as big (and potentially hazardous) as a tree. Reach out to Real Tree Solutions in Perth Northern Suburbs for an expert opinion. Remember, early detection is everything — and knowing when tree lopping is appropriate could save your favourite tree… or your fence.