Summer is one of the best times to enjoy your garden, but it is also when overgrown, damaged or unhealthy trees can become particularly noticeable.
Heavy branches may block sunlight from lawns and patios, fast-growing trees can begin encroaching on neighbouring properties, and dry weather can place additional stress on younger trees.
If you are searching for experienced Bedford tree surgeons, Original Tree Services can inspect your trees, explain what work is appropriate at this time of year and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
Can Trees Be Pruned During the Summer?
Many trees can be pruned during the summer, although the correct timing depends on the species, its condition and what you are hoping to achieve.
Suitable summer tree work can include:
- Removing dead, damaged or dangerous branches
- Crown lifting to create additional clearance
- Carefully reducing selected branches
- Removing branches touching roofs or buildings
- Improving light around gardens and patios
- Pruning certain fruit and ornamental trees
- Inspecting trees for defects or signs of disease
Some trees actually benefit from being pruned during the summer. Cherry and other Prunus trees, for example, are generally best pruned during mid-summer because this can reduce the risk of silver leaf disease. Magnolias and walnuts are also among the trees that may be better suited to later-summer pruning.
However, tree pruning should never be treated as a one-size-fits-all job. Excessive or badly positioned cuts can spoil a tree’s appearance, encourage weak regrowth and leave it more vulnerable to future problems.
A professional tree surgeon can recommend the most appropriate method based on the tree species, its surroundings and its long-term health.
Summer Tree Problems to Look Out For
Trees are in full leaf during July and August, making this a useful time to identify changes in their condition.
Homeowners should look out for:
- Dead branches among otherwise healthy foliage
- Cracks or splits in major limbs
- Branches hanging unusually low
- Fungal growth around the trunk or roots
- Areas of thinning or discoloured leaves
- Loose, peeling or damaged bark
- Branches rubbing against roofs, gutters or telephone lines
- Trees beginning to lean or move at ground level
A tree losing leaves unusually early can sometimes indicate drought stress, root damage, disease or another underlying problem. It does not necessarily mean the tree must be removed, but it is sensible to arrange an inspection if the change is sudden or affects a significant section of the crown.
Dead branches can remain suspended within a tree before falling without warning. This is particularly concerning where branches overhang driveways, footpaths, children’s play areas or neighbouring gardens.
Watering Young Trees During Hot Weather
Recently planted trees have smaller root systems and are particularly vulnerable during prolonged dry periods.
The Arboricultural Association recommends giving newly planted trees approximately 50 litres of water each week during the summer for their first three years.
Water should be applied slowly around the tree’s rooting area rather than poured directly against the trunk. A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture, although mulch should not be piled against the bark.
Established trees do not usually require routine watering, but extended periods of hot, dry weather can still affect trees growing in compacted ground, shallow soil or restricted planting areas.
Can Hedges and Trees Be Cut During Bird-Nesting Season?
Wild birds, their eggs and active nests are protected by law. Before pruning a tree or hedge, it is essential to check carefully for nesting birds.
There is not a blanket ban on all domestic tree and hedge work throughout the summer. However, it is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy an active wild bird’s nest while it is being built or used. Work should stop if an active nest is found and should not resume in that area until the nest is no longer in use.
Commercial and agricultural hedgerows can also be subject to specific cutting restrictions between 1 March and 31 August.
At Original Tree Services, trees and hedges are checked before work begins. Where nesting birds are present, we will explain which work must be postponed or whether another safe approach is possible.
Does My Bedford Tree Have a Preservation Order?
Some trees in Bedford are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, commonly known as a TPO. Trees situated within conservation areas may also be protected.
This means permission or formal notification may be required before pruning or removing the tree. Bedford Borough Council provides an interactive planning map that can be used to check whether a property is within a conservation area or whether an individual tree is covered by a TPO.
Never assume that work is automatically allowed simply because the tree is growing within your own garden.
Original Tree Services can help identify whether restrictions may apply and assist with the application process where required.
When Should a Tree Be Reduced?
Tree reduction may be appropriate when a tree has become too large for its surroundings, is placing excessive weight on particular branches or is beginning to interfere with nearby structures.
A professional crown reduction carefully shortens selected branches while maintaining a balanced and natural shape. It is very different from simply cutting every branch back to the same point.
Possible reasons for reducing a tree include:
- Increasing clearance from a house or outbuilding
- Reducing excessive shade
- Managing long or heavily weighted branches
- Preventing branches from obstructing roads or footpaths
- Keeping a tree at a more appropriate size for its location
Not every large tree needs reducing. Sometimes selective pruning, crown lifting or deadwood removal will achieve the desired result with less impact on the tree.
Should You Remove a Tree During Summer?
Tree removal can be completed during the summer when it is safe, lawful and environmentally appropriate to do so.
Removal may be recommended where a tree is:
- Dead or in serious decline
- Structurally unsafe
- Damaging nearby structures
- Growing in an unsuitable position
- Beyond practical management
- Preventing an approved building or landscaping project
Before recommending removal, we assess whether pruning or another management option could retain the tree safely. Where removal is necessary, we can dismantle the tree carefully, process the branches and arrange stump grinding if required.
Local Bedford Tree Surgeons
Original Tree Services provides professional tree surgery for homes, landlords and commercial sites throughout Bedford and the surrounding area.
Our services include:
- Tree pruning and crown reductions
- Tree felling and sectional dismantling
- Deadwood removal
- Tree inspections
- Hedge cutting and reductions
- Stump grinding
- Tree and hedge planting
- Fencing and grounds maintenance
All work is completed with careful consideration for the tree, the surrounding property and current industry guidance. We are fully insured and carry out tree work in accordance with BS3998 recommendations wherever applicable.
Arrange a Free Tree-Surgery Quote in Bedford
Are you concerned about an overgrown tree, a dead branch or a tree that is blocking too much summer light?
Contact Original Tree Services to arrange a free quotation from your local Bedford tree surgeons.
Call: 01234 924964
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.originaltreeservices.co.uk
Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, so you will not be left trying to explain your tree problem to a voicemail.
We cover Bedford and surrounding areas, providing straightforward advice and professional tree work for domestic and commercial customers.
