How to save 10m Lilly Pilly tree?

WilkshireJ

Hi, 

I’ve got a very old Lilly Pilly tree that was reduced by 20% mid winter by a local arborist. Shortly afterwards there was a southerly storm and I noticed significant leaf drop. I thought it was storm stress but it has continued to lose leaves over the tree canopy and the bark at the bottom of the trunk looks strange. What’s happening? Is it dieback or a disease?

can it be recovered? Many thx 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @WilkshireJ. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tree care.

That’s a very large specimen, and from the looks of it, the canopy is showing signs of dieback. Sometimes what looks like dieback can actually just be the older, shaded material that’s been overshadowed since the trim, but given the ongoing leaf loss it does sound like there’s more going on. What’s the weather been like in your area recently? Extended periods of wet weather can really stress Lilly Pillies, and if the soil stays saturated the bark at the base can take on a strange appearance — so what you’re seeing there may just be excess moisture rather than a disease.

That said, it’s difficult to diagnose without someone assessing the tree in person. I’d strongly recommend having an arborist who specialises in tree health (sometimes called a “tree doctor”) come and take a closer look. They’ll be able to determine if it’s stress, disease, or root problems causing the decline. If the issue continues unchecked, there is unfortunately a good chance you could lose the tree, so the sooner it’s assessed, the better.

Let me tag @Adam_W to see if he has any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell