Tree Work to Consider as we head into Autumn

As we head towards Autumn, we also reach the end of nesting bird season. In the UK, between February and August, tree surgeons have the duty to be extra vigilant and inspect any trees / hedges before commencing work to avoid infringing the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the European Habitats Directive 1992/Nesting Birds Directive. (In reality, it is prudent to always be aware of the nesting locations of birds and wildlife.)

As we leave the main nesting bird season and head into Autumn, there are certain areas of tree work that could be focused on:

• Hedges – once free of nesting birds, it’s a good time to get hedges into shape.
• Pruning – this should be tailored to the type of tree e.g. Birch benefit from being pruned late Summer to avoid excess sap loss and slower healing.
• Deadwood – summer growth and foliage can add a lot of weight to tree branches and the overall tree. This can cause any dead or weak branches to snap out in harsher winter weather and potentially damage the tree, so it is always best to prepare and remove any dead or unstable branches.
• Bracing / Cabling – if your tree has any weak unions it may be worth considering bracing the tree to ensure its stability during higher winds and rain.
• Planting new trees – it is an ideal time to plant any new trees or hedges once the hot/dry weather starts to end.

These are just five areas that can be focused on as we head towards September, but by no means a definitive list. A reputable company will always take into consideration what is best for the tree and its health, along with the best time of year to undertake the work. If you have any concerns or questions, always ask your tree surgeon for advice and recommendations.

To discuss your work requirements further, do not hesitate to contact us further to arrange a complimentary site visit.