Camphor Laurel Trees

Question from Denise:

I have a very large camphor laurel tree on my boundary that over the last year has died in large part. The tree is not mine but overhangs my property. How likely are the dead branches to fall? I live in Sydney, Australia. Thank you.

Answer from Pat:

Camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora) are subject to root rot and verticillium wilt. Either of these problems if sufficiently severe could eventually kill a camphor tree, though trees often recover from verticillium wilt and they dying process may last for years. Under the best of circumstances this tree tends to litter the ground under its branches with fruit, twigs and leaves. If a camphor tree has died, litter will be increased until all leaves, dead twigs and mummified fruits have dropped off the tree. Once it is determined that a camphor tree has completely died and is not likely to recover, it should be cut down due to being unsightly and a possible fire hazard.

Camphor trees in general are strong, sturdy trees, and a dead one may stand for many years if not blown over by wind. Dead trees of any species may stand for many years without dropping off large branches. In a forest they are often called “snags”, becoming hollow eventually and providing havens for birds and other wildlife. If larger branches have rotted inside or been eaten out by termites they can eventually become weakened enough to fall off without apparent reason or might be blown off by a strong wind. It would be impossible for me to tell you just how likely it is that large branches might fall, but I can tell you for sure that small branches, twigs, leaves and fruit will fall off in greater number until all are gone.