We’re often asked how you know, whether your trees need pruning or removing. Well if you have trees on your property, then the chances are that you may not spend a great deal of time taking a lot of notice of them. However, it might be that you are looking out of the window one day and suddenly realise that a tree is looking a bit worse for wear, it’s grown so much that it’s now becoming a hindrance, or that it’s lost a branch.

So how do you know if a tree needs care and attention and you should call in the professionals?

It can often be tricky to tell if a tree needs care and attention, or needs to be removed, but here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

• Dangerous Hanging Branches: If a branch is overhanging property, too close to buildings, pedestrian areas or power lines, then it’s best to prune or remove dangerous branches take care of them before potential hazards occur.
• Light and Shade: If a tree has become overgrown and is now cutting out light, or providing too much shade, then it might help to cut the tree back to provide more light in your home, or open up the garden so that you can enjoy the sun. Your tree may also be cutting out a gorgeous view that you could enjoy.
• Too much weight: If the tree has become to “heavy” and needs reducing to avoid breakage or to help keep it in great health.
• Tree Trunk Damage: Sometimes a visual inspection can reveal the health of a tree, vertical cracks, severe damage or missing bark on the trunk could indicate that a tree is in bad health.
• Root Damage: If a tree’s roots are damaged then the tree may be leaning to one side or the other as the roots may not be strong enough to keep it directly upright.
• Fungus Growth: Fungus Growth around the Base or on the trunk of the tree could also be a sign that the tree is in need of some care and attention or already dead
• Bare Branches: Bare Branches in the Spring or Summer could mean that a tree can’t be saved.
• Unwanted Pests: If a tree is attracting unwanted insects or pests then this could also show that it is not in the best of health.

In any situation, whether the tree just needs some care and attention, or needs to be removed, we can help to advise what the best course of action would be based on the site location and surrounding factors. It’s important to note that before doing any work, you should ensure that your tree is not subject to a tree preservation order or legally protected and that doing work to the tree would not adversely affect the wildlife using it to nest in.

If you would like an expert opinion on a tree, or you have trees you would like work carried on then please do get in touch as we’re always happy to help!