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An Autumn Checklist for Trees Near Your Home

September is a good point in the year to take stock. The trees are still in leaf, so you can see which ones are struggling, but there is plenty of time to get work booked in before the winter weather. Here is the checklist we would run through on our own trees.

1. Look at the crown while it is still green

Stand back and compare your trees with others nearby. Are any looking thin, or have they started to change colour and drop leaves much earlier than usual? That can be a sign of stress, drought damage or disease. Ash trees with dieback often look sparse at this time of year.

2. Spot dead branches

Dead branches stand out clearly in late summer because they have no leaves at all. Make a note of where they are, especially if they are over a path, a drive, a roof or a play area.

3. Check the base and trunk

Autumn is when a lot of fungi appear. Mushrooms or brackets at the base of the tree or on the trunk do not always mean trouble, but they are worth having checked, as some types can indicate decay in the roots or heartwood.

4. Look at what the tree is near

  • Branches touching the roof or gutters.
  • Branches growing into telephone or power lines.
  • Low branches blocking a pavement or a road. Branches should be high enough to allow people and vehicles to pass safely.
  • Trees blocking light to windows or solar panels.

5. Think about leaves and gutters

If you have big trees near the house, gutters and drains can block quickly once the leaves fall. A light crown reduction or thin can make a real difference, and is often cheaper than paying for repeated gutter clearing.

6. Plan your winter work

Autumn and winter suit most tree pruning, and it is a good time for hedge reductions and new planting too. Booking in now means you are near the top of the list rather than ringing round after a storm.

Questions we get asked

Is autumn a good time to fell a tree?

Yes. With the leaves dropping, nesting season over and the ground usually still firm, it is a good time for felling and removal.

What about commercial sites?

Business parks, schools, care homes and other sites often schedule an autumn check so paths and car parks stay safe through winter. We do a lot of this kind of commercial tree work.

How often should trees be checked?

For most gardens, a look every year or two is plenty. Large trees near buildings or busy areas may need checking more often.

Get your trees ready for winter

M Bissell Trees and Hedges is a Staffordshire team of NPTC qualified tree surgeons. We work on homes, businesses and public sites, and we always leave the place clean and tidy. Call Matt on 07968 421 434 or 01785 82 44 10, or send us a message.