Preparing your trees for winter

Weather patterns are becoming more and more extreme so it is more important than ever to check over your trees before the winter sets in.

Look in particular for:

1. Dead branches. These should be removed, particularly if they could fall and cause damage.
2. Signs of cracks appearing in the trunk (see photo below)
3. Overhanging branches over paths or roadways may be a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles should be removed.
4. Fungus growth. This is a tell tale sign and key indicator of disease in a tree.
5. If you see standing water around a tree check the drains are clear or try to divertthe water away.
6. The best times to prune a tree are in the middle of the summer and in mid winter. Contrary to common belief, the worst times to prune a tree are when trees are bursting into leaf in the spring, and when the leaves are dropping in autumn.
7. This is agood time of year to fell trees for firewood as the moisture content is lower.

If you are concerned about the safety or vulnerability of a tree, it is always a good idea to call a tree surgeon. Most tree surgeons will offer free quotes and good advice!