The Tree Surgeon's Year - October

October in the UK is a bustling time for tree surgeons, as the arrival of autumn brings changes to trees and hedges that require our attention. The season’s cooler weather and falling leaves signal the onset of dormancy in many tree species, making it an ideal period for maintenance work. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to this month, from tackling hedges and pruning to addressing the serious concerns posed by ash dieback.

Leaves Falling: Revealing Structural Damage

As October progresses, the vibrant autumn leaves begin to fall, stripping trees of their summer canopy and revealing branches and limbs that were previously hidden. This is especially helpful for us as tree surgeons, as the shedding of leaves exposes any structural issues within the trees. Dead wood, weak branches, and previous storm damage often become visible now. By identifying and addressing these problems, we ensure that the tree is in better condition to handle winter weather, which can be harsh and challenging for weakened structures.

Removing dead wood and pruning damaged limbs not only protects the health of the tree but also minimises risks to property and people. During this time, we often find that many trees benefit from selective pruning, as removing dead or weak branches allows the tree to focus its energy on maintaining healthier, structurally sound growth.

Hedges: Busy Times for Autumn Maintenance

It’s not just the trees that keep us busy in October; we’ve been doing a lot of work with hedges, too. Autumn is an ideal time to trim hedges as they begin to slow down their growth. A well-timed pruning will keep hedges neat throughout winter and encourage healthy growth in the spring. We’re careful to trim at the right depth to promote density without cutting too far back, which could risk damage to certain hedge species.

Tree Pruning and Crown Work: Preparing for Dormancy

As trees enter dormancy, they become less active and better suited to tolerate pruning and crown work. Crown reduction and thinning are common requests this time of year. Crown reduction, which involves shortening the height and spread of a tree, helps maintain a manageable size and reduces wind resistance. This is particularly helpful as winter storms approach, as trees with reduced crowns are less susceptible to wind damage.

Crown thinning, on the other hand, involves selectively removing smaller branches throughout the canopy. This method improves light penetration and airflow within the tree, reducing the risk of fungal infections and enhancing overall tree health. Both of these procedures are best done in the autumn, as they support the natural dormancy cycle of the tree while making it more resilient for the winter months ahead.

Tackling Ash Dieback: A Growing Threat

One of the most pressing challenges we’ve faced this October is managing ash dieback. This serious fungal disease affects ash trees across the UK, leading to weakened structure and increased vulnerability to collapse. Unfortunately, infected trees often pose a high risk of falling, especially in populated or trafficked areas. This month, we’ve been hard at work removing dangerous ash trees impacted by dieback, prioritising safety and limiting the spread of infection to healthier trees nearby.

Although it’s difficult to see these trees go, removing infected ash trees is often necessary for public safety and to prevent further spread of the disease. Ash dieback is a grim reminder of the environmental challenges that trees face, and our role as tree surgeons is crucial in managing these situations responsibly.

Final Thoughts on October Tree Work

October is a pivotal month in the tree surgery calendar, with tasks ranging from pruning and hedge trimming to the careful removal of diseased trees. As trees enter dormancy, our work helps prepare them to weather the coming winter and sets them up for healthy regrowth in spring. The autumn landscape may be shifting to shades of brown and gold, but for us as tree surgeons, it’s a time of vibrant, essential work that ensures the safety and health of the trees and landscapes we cherish.