December might be cold, dark, and busy with Christmas preparations — but it’s also one of the best months of the year for removing dangerous or problem trees. With most trees fully dormant and garden activity slowing down, this month offers the perfect conditions for tackling bigger, riskier jobs safely.
At Original Tree Services, December is one of our busiest months for tree removals across Bedford, St Neots, Sandy, Leighton Buzzard, Rushden, and surrounding areas. Here’s why.
1. Trees Are Fully Dormant
By December, all major UK tree species have entered deep dormancy. This means:
- No active growth
- Lower sap flow
- Less biological stress
- Better wound sealing
For removals or large reductions, winter dormancy helps prevent unnecessary damage to surrounding plants and soil.
2. You Can Clearly See the Tree Structure
With the last leaves gone, arborists can:
- Spot cracks
- Identify deadwood
- Assess leaning or structural weaknesses
- See fungal brackets, cavities, and decay
This makes December the safest and most accurate month for judging whether a tree is a risk.
3. Reduced Disruption to Your Garden
Hardy plants and lawns are dormant too, meaning:
- Minimal trampling damage
- Less impact on flower beds
- Easier access for machinery
If a tree needs to come down, winter causes the least mess and long-term disruption.
4. Lower Risk of Disease Spread
Many pests and pathogens are inactive in December, including:
- Honey fungus
- Beetles
- Bacteria and fungal spores
Removing infected or dying trees in winter reduces the chance of disease spreading to healthy trees in your garden.
5. A Safer Time Before Storm Season Peaks
January and February bring the UK’s biggest storms. If you have a tree that worries you — leaning, split trunks, large dead branches — December is the last chance to deal with it before high winds arrive.
Removing unstable trees now prevents:
- Property damage
- Blocked driveways
- Injuries
- Emergency call-outs during storms
6. Easier Access for Larger Equipment
Wet summers and autumns often make gardens soft, boggy, and easy to damage. But cold December soil is firmer, which helps:
- Trucks and chippers access safely
- Reduces rutting and ground impact
- Makes large removals quicker and cleaner
7. Great Time for Hedge Work Too
As a bonus, December is ideal for:
- Heavy hedge reductions
- Shaping Leylandii
- Cutting back long-missed garden boundaries
This gets your garden tidy for winter without stressing the hedge.
Need a Dangerous Tree Removed in December?
Original Tree Services offers:
- Tree removals
- Crown reductions
- Dead wooding
- Hedge work
- Emergency storm call-outs
- Free quotes
- 24/7 phone answering (NO voicemail)
Serving Bedford, St Neots, Sandy, Leighton Buzzard, Rushden and nearby areas.
📞 Call anytime for a free quote
🌳 Original Tree Services – Safe, reliable, local.
