Most new trees and hedges thrive best when they are planted during their dormant phase, which means for many planting between late autumn to early spring (October to March) is best.
This can vary based on the kinds of trees and hedges you are planting. For example, bare-root or root ball trees are best planted in cooler seasons. While container planted trees offer more flexibility, it is still best to plant them in late autumn or winter so they can establish their roots ahead of the spring bloom.
If you are going to plant during the summer, choose a cool, overcast day and ensure you water thoroughly. Planting trees in the summer means you need to pay extra care to ensure the roots remain moist so they can establish.
After a tree has been planted, you need to water immediately and continue to water it regularly throughout it’s first year. Watering is essential for the growth of new trees, especially during dry seasons.
For additional support, we’d recommend adding a 5 to 10cm layer of mulch around the base, taking care to avoid touching the trunk. Mulch will help to conserve moisture throughout the roots and supress weeds, so all nutrients go to the tree.
Stake supports may also be required to keep the structure and stability of the tree during its early stages, especially tall trees. We will advise you on the best method for staking, such as whether it should be left for the full year or removed sooner, which varies based on the type of tree and location.
Monitoring the tree is also vital during the first year of growth. We can provide tree surveys and inspections to help with this, but you need to regularly check moisture levels of the soil (ensuring it remains consistent and not waterlogged), watch out for loose ties which can hinder stability, and trim broken or crossed branches to support the ongoing growth and health.
To keep your hedges neat and tidy, at least one trim per year is required.
Trimming frequency varies based on the kind of hedges you have. As per the RHS Guidelines, established hedges will need to be trimmed between two to three times during their growing season, whereas informal hedges require one good trim annually.
In terms of timing, deciduous hedges like beech or hornbeam should be cut during the summer, as part of their growing phase, whereas evergreen hedges can be pruned early, in the spring or early summer months. Flowering hedges should be trimmed just after blooming, to avoid cutting next years flowers.
Regardless of what type of hedges you have, it is important that you avoid heavy cutting during bird nesting season which is typically between March and August.
You may need tree surgery if your tree is diseased, damaged or has grown in a way that poses a risk to nearby structures or people.
Symptoms such as cracked branches, fungal growth, or lean in the trunk indicate that professional help is needed. Call us as soon as you notice these signs, so we can perform a diagnostic inspection and provide the precise care needed promptly.
We’d recommend getting a professional tree health check every two to three years, depending on the tree species and location.
Regular tree health assessments can be a preventative treatment for a range of health conditions, but if you notice any signs of tree diseases, pests, or structural damage, contact us immediately.
A tree risk assessment is an evaluation to determine the heath, safety, and stability of your tree. These assessments should be carried out by a professional arborist, like Kneebone Trees, to determine the most accurate reading.
A tree risk assessment involves inspecting many areas of the tree to check it is safe and healthy, such as any signs of structural weakness, disease, and other indicators that the tree may become hazardous.
The best time to prune trees can vary based on the species:
There are some obvious signs that your tree needs pruning, or is overdue for pruning, such as dead, broken or diseased branches. If your tree has become too large for it’s space or the growth is obstructing nearby structures or power lines, pruning is needed as soon as possible.
Pruning your trees regularly can help maintain their shape, health and structure.
When done correctly, pruning will not damage your tree. However, improper pruning such as cutting too much of the canopy or cutting at the wrong time, can harm the tree. Improper pruning can lead to structural damage, increased risk of infection, and poor growth.
This is why working with professional arborists, like Kneebone Trees, is essential for tree pruning and maintaining the health of your landscape.
Tree removal may be necessary if the tree is dead or beyond repair, such as trees that are dying or pose a serious safety hazard due to structural weakness.
The proximity of your trees to structures, neighbouring landscapes and people will determine whether removal is the best option, for example if your tree is leaning or growing too close to power lines. In these cases, removal may be required to prevent injury or damage.
Stump grinding is the process of using specialised machinery to to grind down the remaining tree stump, which is left behind after tree removal. Stump grinding and removal is vital service a it makes your landscape safer and allows new growth to thrive.
Grinding is often the most effective method to remove tree stumps as it leaves the ground level and ready for replanting or future landscaping work.
Yes, tree removal can be safely carried out anywhere with proper planning. Our arborists ensure a safe removal of trees in any local by using the right equipment and methods.
We can ensure minimal disruption to your home or business while removing trees, and we always aim to reduce risks through our efficient process. When removing trees, we work to maintain the safety of your home, garden and any nearby structures throughout.
If you suspect that your tree is diseased, contact us as soon as possible to book an assessment. We can determine whether your tree is diseased, what is causing the issue and whether it can be treated.
Signs such as fungal growth, discoloured leaves, and dead branches can be caused by disease and need professional treatment. Contact us as soon as you notice these signs, as early intervention gives your tree the best chance at a full recovery.
Yes – depending on the type of disease and how far it has spread, we can offer treatments to restore health. Our treatments can include pruning and tree surgery to remove infected branches, applying fungicide, or even care recommendations to support the long term health of your trees.
If you are concerned about the health of your trees, please call us on 01803 222 188 or contact us online to book a consultation. We also provide an emergency tree work service if your tree is posing a significant risk to the landscape, surrounding properties or people due to a progressed disease.
The main way to prevent diseases, pests and fungi from taking over your trees is through proper tree care. This starts from the initial planting of the tree, as you need to ensure it is planted in the right soil conditions and receives enough water to support healthy growth.
As the tree progresses, so does it’s care – regular watering and pruning is required to keep the tree in prime condition. You also need to ensure you avoid harming the tree during landscaping or construction work, such as wounding the trunk with a lawnmower and using clean, sharp tools for pruning, as this reduces the risk of exposure to diseases and fungi.
Tree surveys should be performed regularly, every two to three years, to monitor the progression of your tree and ensure it is free from disease.
Yes and these can vary based on your location. Most regulations revolve around trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or those in conservation areas.
If your tree is protected in some way, then you need to seek permission from local authorities (such as your local council) before any pruning or removal can be done. We specialise in TPOs and protected trees, so can help you through the application process if required.
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order that protects a tree or a group of trees in the interest of heritage and/or beauty. With this order in place, trees cannot be pruned, removed, or altered in any way without permission from local authorities.
If you live in a conservation area or have a tree covered by a TPO, we can help you to navigate the rules while also maintaining your tree. Our support includes applying for permission, ensuring compliance, and TPO appeals.
While light pruning or trimming can be done by homeowners, it is generally safer and better for your trees to work with professionals like Kneebone Trees.
Our arborists have the right equipment and professional skills to ensure safe, efficient and effective trimming or pruning of trees and hedges. We can work with all kinds of trees, including large, mature species, and offer regular support with tree surgery and hedge trimming.
Pruning trees can be dangerous without the right safety equipment and skills, which is why it is best left to our team.
To reduce the risk of storm damage, you need to make sure your trees are regularly pruned throughout the year. Regularly pruning removes weak, dead or damaged branches which are more likely to collapse during storms or harsh winds.
It is also a good idea to consider booking a tree risk assessment if you live in a storm-prone area or ahead of the harsher weather conditions to ensure that your tree is structurally sound.
We are always happy to chat and advise our clients on the best treatments for their trees – no question is too small for us!
Either call us on 01803 222 188 or reach out via our online contact form and we will get back to you. Tell us everything about your trees and site, and we can offer personalised guidance to ensure health and safety.
Whether you’re unsure about what tree is best for your landscape, are concerned about the safety of your tree, or just need some advice regarding tree care, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help. You can also reach out to us to book a site visit and quote for our services.
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