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Assessing your trees: How to spot signs of decline

Ash tree

Benefits of healthy trees

Trees are an integral part of our environment. They provide natural beauty as well as being essential for providing oxygen, storing carbon dioxide and helping to keep the earth cool. In essence, we cannot live without trees. So how can we make sure that our trees thrive?

Firstly, by giving your trees what they need. In terms of young trees, this may be regular watering and use of supports such as tree guards. For more information on this, please see our blog on caring for new trees. Later on, assessing your trees becomes key!

Assessing your trees

Assessing your trees regularly, particularly more mature trees, is the best way to help ensure that they remain strong, healthy and prosperous. We recommend assessing your trees several times a year. We believe this is the most effective way to notice and monitor any changes. If a tree is healthy, you should see new growth every year. We always advise assessing your trees after severe weather such as storms or strong winds, in case your trees have been damaged.

Spotting signs of decline

Knowing what to look for when assessing your trees is essential if you are to spot the signs of decline early. This can help to avoid more problems in the future.   

There are ample ways in which trees can let you know that their health is compromised, so it’s really important to know what to look out for. Trees can show signs of decline in their trunk, branches or in the canopy so it’s important to assess all parts of the tree to give you a clear picture of its health. 

Some of the common signs to spot are listed below: 

  1. Cracks/ splitting. What does it mean if there are cracks or splitting in the bark? This can be caused by freezing weather or sun scald. However, it can also be a sign of fungal disease. Large cracks or splits in a tree can cause it to become unstable and pose a risk to individuals and property.
  2. Dead or broken branches. It’s advisable to prune any dead branches as these can weaken a tree over time.
  3. Decayed roots. Root rot can be a serious problem for a tree, affecting its stability and its ability to get nutrients from the soil. Other tell-tale signs are stunted growth, small pale, leaves and thinning around the canopy. In this case, we may have to remove the tree to prevent the disease from spreading to other nearby trees and plants.   
  4. Fungus growth. The bark should be free from any fungi or moss. Presence of either could mean that the tree is infected with rot. This can cause the tree to become unstable and needs to be assessed as soon as possible.

What can we do to help?

At Simpson Arboriculture, we are passionate about helping to maintain the health of the trees we work on. Pruning and trimming, if carried out correctly by professional arborists, can improve the appearance of the tree and contribute to its overall health. Our arborists work within the guidance set out in BS3998 (British Standards for tree work). This means they ensure that any work carried out will not compromise a tree’s health and stability. Instead supporting and encouraging new growth. When quoting to carry out tree work, our professional arborists will discuss with you what you want to achieve (e.g. more light in your garden) and balance this with the needs and health of the tree. Keeping our customers happy and trees healthy is always our intention!   

But what about when a tree is showing signs of decline? Our team have years of experience in spotting the signs of decline early on. This means that we can take appropriate action. Our aim is to save and maintain trees wherever possible and carry out the essential work to improve and maintain the health of a tree, thus helping to ensure its longevity. This may involve removing deadwood. It may also involve rebalancing a tree or targeting specific branches or limbs that are failing.

In the event that a tree has become unsafe and poses an immediate risk to the public or surrounding property, we would suggest removing the tree as soon as possible. We have many approaches to this ranging from climbing the tree, sectional dismantle, rigging or use of machinery depending on the job.

We are able to grind remaining stumps and treat stumps and roots using eco-plugs. This will then allow for replanting which we always encourage wherever possible.

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Top trees for planting: choosing the right tree for your property

Tree planting: what to consider

There are so many great reasons for tree planting. If you are lucky enough to have a garden with space to plant a tree, this is an exciting choice to make. We would always encourage you to choose native species when tree planting as these species will not only thrive in the British weather and climate, but also provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

But before you go to your local garden centre and choose a sapling for planting, there are some questions worth asking yourself. What do you want your tree to do? How much space do you have? And what is the soil like?

Perhaps you are looking for a tree to provide more shade in your garden or form a habitat for local wildlife. Are you eager to reduce pollution or noise in your garden? Or would trees be ideal to act as a windbreak? Would you like to look out on a tree that changes with the seasons, adding colour and interest to your surroundings?  

These questions are all worth considering as this will help you determine what species of tree to choose.

What species to choose?

A shrub such as hawthorn, sumach or dogwood are great if space is limited- these will remain fairly small if pruned and maintained regularly. They tend to grow well even where nutrients, sunlight and water are in short supply. They also look beautiful and vary year-round, from bright flowers to autumn hues.

Fruit trees such as apple, cherry or pear trees are great if you are looking for a medium sized tree (growing to around 10-12m) to add shade and interest to your garden, but where you don’t want it to dominate the space. They also come with the added benefit of growing your own fruit, as well as boasting beautiful spring blossom.

Trees such as cypress, willow and poplar grow surprisingly fast! So this is worth keeping in mind for the years to come- is there space for one of these species to grow and thrive? Or would it become dominant and problematic?

Walnut, oak and lime trees are fantastic for providing both a habitat and shade to a garden, but it is worth bearing in mind that they can grow up to 20m.

Evergreens such as conifers are ideal for acting as a windbreak. They also help to reduce both noise and pollution, which is ideal if you live in an urban area. Remember to look out for features such as telephone wires as these tree species are likely to grow into them. It’s worth allowing 6 metres or more from any electricity wires to allow them to thrive.

What about buildings?

It is advisable to plant a tree at least 15 feet away from a house or other building’s foundations. This should be increased depending on the size of the tree.

With extensive tree knowledge and tree planting experience, our team at Simpson Arboriculture are always happy to advise you.

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Tree Pruning vs. Tree Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Tree surgery

When it comes to tree care, there are a variety of different methods that can be used to maintain the health and appearance of trees. Two common methods are tree pruning and tree surgery. While the two terms may sound similar, they refer to very different practices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between tree pruning and tree surgery, and explain when each method is appropriate.

Tree Pruning: What is it?

Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing certain parts of a tree in order to improve its health, appearance, or safety. Common reasons for tree pruning vary. They include removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the tree to a desired form, and removing branches that are too close to buildings or power lines. Pruning can also help improve the overall structure of the tree. It can make it more resistant to damage from wind, ice, or other weather events.

At Simpson Arboriculture, our experienced arborists use hand tools such as pruning shears or loppers and chainsaws. The key to successful pruning is knowing which branches to remove and which to leave intact. This requires an understanding of tree biology, as well as knowledge of the specific species of tree being pruned.

Tree Surgery: What is it?

Tree surgery or arboriculture has been described by the Arboricultural Association as “The production and management of trees and woody plants where amenity is the primary objective”. This could mean crown reducing a tree that is becoming overgrown and therefore too large for the garden it is situated in. This may be achieved by reducing its overall height and/ or spread. It could also mean crown lifting a tree’s lower branches. This can allow for pedestrians or vehicles to access a road or footpath over which the tree is growing.

Tree surgery can be carried out in situations where the tree is in danger of falling or causing damage to property or people. It may also be used to remove large branches or sections of the tree that are dead or diseased.

Tree surgery is a highly specialised field that requires extensive training and expertise. Our professional team at Simpson Arboriculture are fully qualified, insured and experienced. Any training for our arborists is ongoing and up-to-date. This means our customers that we will get the job done in an efficient, safe and timely manner.

Which Method is Right for Your Tree?

In conclusion, while tree pruning and tree surgery may sound similar, they refer to different methods of tree care. If you’re not sure which method is right for your tree, we would be happy to arrange a site visit. Our specialised team can assess the health and condition of your tree and recommend the best course of action. With proper care and maintenance, your trees can thrive and enhance the beauty of your property for years to come.

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What is Tree Pruning? A Beginner’s Guide

Trees are an essential part of our environment. They play a crucial role in the health of our ecosystem. However, as trees grow and mature, they can develop various problems, including disease, structural weakness, and overcrowding. Tree pruning is a technique used to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees. In this article, we’ll explore what it is and why it’s essential for the well-being of trees. We’ll also discuss what we at Simpson Arboriculture can do to help.

What is Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning is the process of selectively removing branches or parts of a tree. This can improve its overall health, safety, and appearance. Pruning can be done for various reasons, including:

  • To remove dead or diseased branches that can cause safety hazards or spread diseases to other parts of the tree.
  • To improve the tree’s structure by removing weak or crossing branches that can cause damage during storms or high winds.
  • To reduce the tree’s overall size and shape by cutting back branches that are growing too long or becoming overcrowded.
  • To enhance the tree’s aesthetics by shaping it into a more appealing form.

Why is Tree Pruning Important?

Tree pruning is crucial for the health and safety of trees. Over time, trees can develop structural issues that can compromise their stability. Furthermore, they can make them more susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as high winds and storms. Pruning can help to correct these structural issues and prevent future problems from occurring.

Pruning also helps to remove dead or diseased branches that can spread diseases to other parts of the tree, and it promotes healthy new growth by allowing more light and air to reach the tree’s interior.

Lastly, it can help to improve the aesthetics of a tree, making it more visually appealing and increasing its overall value.

When Should Tree Pruning be Done?

The best time to prune a tree depends on several factors, including the type of tree, the reason for pruning and the local climate. Generally, pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. This timing helps to minimise the risk of damage to the tree and promotes healthy new growth in the spring.

However, some trees, such as flowering trees, should be pruned immediately after they bloom to avoid cutting off the buds for the next year’s flowers. Similarly, fruit trees should be pruned in the winter to promote fruit production. Simpson Arboriculture can help you plan the right time to prune your trees and make maintenance plans for single trees of large-scale forestry operations.

In Summary

Tree pruning is a critical aspect of tree care and is necessary to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees. Pruning should only be done by trained professionals. The right tree surgeons will have the knowledge and experience to identify the right time, technique, and extent of pruning for each tree. Our team of professional and experienced arborists at Simpson Arboriculture would be happy to discuss this with you and advise.

With proper pruning, trees can continue to thrive and provide valuable benefits to our environment and communities for many years to come.

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