Caring for TREES

“If you’re dealing with deciduous trees, winter is a good time to examine them. Without their leaves, you can identify problems such as branches growing in the wrong direction and lack of growth,” explains arborist Julian Ortlepp of Tree Works. “You can also look for cavities, decay and any other wounds.”

Is it necessary to prune trees?

Over time, branches of all sizes die off for different reasons. Removing the dead wood not only keeps a tree looking good, it relieves the trunk of dead weight. It also prevents branches from falling and causing injury and damage, and minimises pest problems. “However, pruning, particularly of larger limbs, should only be done for a definite reason. No more than absolutely necessary should be cut off as this removes carbohydrate reserves and the foliage needed to generate food,” cautions Julian. Too much could affect the tree’s ability to support its root system, which