u/Zbodownlow

Recently moved into a property in Melbourne that hadn’t been well maintained. Inherited this lemon tree which looks like it’s been neglected for a while.

The canopy is actually enormous and loaded with fruit, but the base of the trunk is in bad shape — significant bark cracking, peeling, and what looks like active gummosis (amber resin oozing from the wounds) across multiple sides of the trunk and up into the branch unions.

From my research it looks like Phytophthora collar rot, but I’m not certain. The damage is fairly extensive so I’m leaning toward getting a professional in rather than treating it myself.

A few questions for the community:

1.	Does this look like collar rot to you, or something else?  
2.	Is it worth calling a consulting arborist, or would a good nursery be sufficient?  
3.	Any recommended arborists or horticulturalists in Melbourne who specialise in citrus or fruit trees?  
4.	Realistic chance of saving it given the canopy still looks healthy?

Photos in comments.

Happy to hear from anyone who’s dealt with something similar. Keen to save it if possible — it’s a beautiful old tree.

Recently moved into a property in Melbourne that hadn’t been well maintained. Inherited this lemon tree which looks like it’s been neglected for a while.

The canopy is actually enormous and loaded with fruit, but the base of the trunk is in bad shape — significant bark cracking, peeling, and what looks like active gummosis (amber resin oozing from the wounds) across multiple sides of the trunk and up into the branch unions.

From my research it looks like Phytophthora collar rot, but I’m not certain. The damage is fairly extensive so I’m leaning toward getting a professional in rather than treating it myself.

A few questions for the community:

1.	Does this look like collar rot to you, or something else?  
2.	Is it worth calling a consulting arborist, or would a good nursery be sufficient?  
3.	Any recommended arborists or horticulturalists in Melbourne who specialise in citrus or fruit trees?  
4.	Realistic chance of saving it given the canopy still looks healthy?

Photos in comments.

Happy to hear from anyone who’s dealt with something similar. Keen to save it if possible — it’s a beautiful old tree.

Recently moved into a property in Melbourne that hadn’t been well maintained. Inherited this lemon tree which looks like it’s been neglected for a while.

The canopy is actually enormous and loaded with fruit, but the base of the trunk is in bad shape. Significant bark cracking, peeling, and what looks like active gummosis (amber resin oozing from the wounds) across multiple sides of the trunk and up into the branch unions.

I’m new to owning a garden but the damage looks fairly extensive so I’m leaning toward getting a professional in rather than treating it myself.

A few questions for the community:

1.	Does this look like collar rot to you, or something else?  
2.	Is it worth calling a consulting arborist, or would a good nursery be sufficient?  
3.	Any recommended arborists or horticulturalists in South East Melbourne who specialise in citrus or fruit trees?  
4.	Realistic chance of saving it long term given the canopy still looks healthy?

Photos in comments.

Happy to hear from anyone who’s dealt with something similar. Keen to save it if possible, it’s a beautiful old tree!

GloBird offers very competitive rates, and you can get $50 off your bill using the referral link below. If you set up a direct debit and pay your invoice on time, you'll get an extra 3% off each bill (Available on specific plans like GloSave, FOUR4FREE, and Combo GLOSAVE)
GloBird Energy is one of the cheapest energy providers in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane. I just made the switch from Dodo!

Here is a CONFIRMED working referral link for 2026 GloBird Energy discount code so you save $50 and so do I: https://quote.globirdenergy.com.au/quote?pcode=refer&ref=D33C0S

(Valid until 20 June 2026.)