The Tree Surgeon's Year - August

As summer reaches its peak in the UK, August becomes an important month for tree care. While trees have mostly completed their seasonal growth, this transitional time is key for preparing them for the cooler months ahead. At Charrington Tree Services, we are hard at work making sure trees across the East Midlands remain healthy, safe, and ready for autumn. Here’s a closer look at what a tree surgeon typically does in August and why this month is so important for UK trees.

1. Assessing Tree Health and Stress

August in the UK often brings dry spells and warmer weather, which can stress trees, especially if they haven't had sufficient water throughout summer. Tree surgeons take this opportunity to inspect trees for signs of stress such as wilting, early leaf drop, or browning leaves, which may indicate drought-related issues. Checking the tree’s overall health is crucial at this stage to ensure it can handle the upcoming autumn weather.

Additionally, our tree surgeons assess trees for signs of decay, fungal infections like honey fungus, and structural weaknesses that may have developed over summer. By spotting these early warning signs, they can prevent further damage and ensure trees remain healthy in the months to come.

2. Summer Pruning of Ornamental Trees

August is a good time for light summer pruning on certain ornamental trees, particularly in the UK. While heavier pruning is typically left for winter or early spring, late summer is ideal for removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches that could pose risks as the weather changes. Species such as magnolia, cherry, and birch benefit from light pruning in late summer, as it reduces sap bleeding, which is more common in winter.

For most fruit trees like apple and pear, the main pruning should indeed be done in late autumn or early winter, typically November, when the trees are dormant. However, stone fruits like cherry and plum, which are prone to silver leaf disease, are best pruned in summer after fruiting to avoid infection.

3. Crown Lifting and Shaping

As trees grow over the summer, their crowns can become dense, leading to poor airflow and shading issues. In August, tree surgeons in the UK often carry out crown lifting and shaping to improve tree structure and health. Crown lifting involves removing lower branches to increase light and air penetration beneath the tree, which is particularly helpful in gardens and urban areas where space and light are limited.

Crown reduction and thinning are also performed on trees that have grown too large for their surroundings, such as those near buildings or power lines. Thinning helps to reduce wind resistance, which is important as the UK approaches stormier weather in autumn and winter.

4. Storm Damage Prevention and Safety Work

August is a critical time for preparing trees for the harsh winds and storms that often hit the UK during the later months. Tree surgeons focus on identifying weak or damaged branches that could pose a hazard during storms. By removing these vulnerable sections now, they reduce the risk of branches falling and causing damage to property or injury during high winds.

For large, mature trees, particularly those in close proximity to homes or public spaces, a tree surgeon will also assess root stability and overall structure, ensuring the tree is secure before the storm season.

5. Tree Planting and Transplanting

Although autumn is generally the best time for planting new trees in the UK, August can still be a viable time for certain species, especially evergreens like holly and yew. Tree surgeons ensure new trees are planted with care, paying attention to soil conditions and providing adequate watering during the remaining summer months to help the tree establish itself before the colder weather arrives.

In some cases, transplanting smaller trees can also be done in August, but this requires careful planning and ongoing maintenance to ensure the tree survives the move and settles in its new location.

At Charrington Tree Services, we understand that caring for trees in the UK requires attention to the unique challenges presented by our climate. August is an essential month for preparing trees for the changing seasons, and our expert tree surgeons are on hand to provide professional care, whether it’s pruning, risk mitigation, or planting advice. If your trees need attention, contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your landscape thriving.