Trees are synonymous with providing shade on a sunny day, adding life to our green spaces, supporting diverse ecosystems and providing habitats for birds and ground mammals alike.
But when it comes to tree maintenance, many clients are unsure what they should be investing in, how often their trees need care and TLC, and whether they need to access professional tree services in Essex. To help you take the next steps towards a healthy, thriving garden, we’ve answered some of the most common FAQs with the help of local tree service professionals and tree surgeons in Essex.
What are the Signs of a Diseased or Unhealthy Tree?
The signs of a diseased tree vary between species – with some of the symptoms only recognisable to the trained eye. As such, if you are worried about the health of a tree you should request a site visit from your local tree surgeons to confirm the issue and seek advice on how to manage it.
However, early visuals to look for include oozing sap, dieback, lesions on the trunk, and scorch marks on the leaves.
When is the Right Time to Prune Trees?
One of the benefits of investing in a professional service is proper scheduling – that is, working tree maintenance and pruning around the nesting season and other seasonal limitations.
Pruning is something that should be done regularly to ensure trees stay healthy, with work ideally done in late Spring through to Summer. However, it does not need to be done every year – with the pruning cycle typically every 3 to 5 years for native UK trees.
What Happens to Tree Stumps and Offcuts from Pruning?
Ever wondered what happens to the offcuts of wood from pruning, felling, and stump removal? Well, in many cases, these offcuts make an excellent mulch for your garden – and can be used to facilitate and support better growth throughout your outside space.
Most professional tree surgeons will also offer a site clearance service – leaving clients with a clear space and ensuring that all offcuts are safely removed and properly recycled.
What Permissions Do I Need For Tree Felling?
If you have a tree in your outside space that needs felling, there are several permissions you need to consider.
The first thing you need to determine is whether the tree is protected by any kind of Tree Protection Order (TPO). If there are any TPOs on the tree or neighbouring trees, you may need to apply for a proper licence.
Similarly, you may need a tree felling licence if felling over 5 m³ per quarter.
A professional tree surgeon will be able to offer support and advice on managing tree felling permissions within conservation areas, on rented property, in commercial spaces, and where TPOs may be a concern.
Got more questions about tree maintenance? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local tree surgeons in Essex!
