tree surgeon Archives

When Is the Best Time to Book Tree Surgery in Kent?

Posted on 19/10/202603/11/2026 by Thom

If you’ve been looking at a tree in your garden and wondering whether it’s time to do something about it, you might also be wondering when the work should be carried out.

Is winter better for pruning? Should you wait until spring? And what happens if a tree needs attention sooner?

The answer depends on the tree, its condition and the work required.

At About Trees, we provide professional tree surgery across Kent, helping homeowners, businesses and landowners understand what their trees need and when work is best carried out.

Can tree surgery be carried out during autumn and winter?

Yes. Autumn and winter can be suitable times for certain types of tree surgery, although the right timing depends on the species and the work involved.

Many deciduous trees lose their leaves during the colder months, making it easier to see their branch structure.

This can be helpful when assessing a tree and planning appropriate pruning work.

However, not every tree benefits from winter pruning. Some species are better managed at other times of year, and certain work may need to be postponed depending on the tree’s health, weather conditions or wildlife considerations.

That’s why professional advice is important before arranging significant tree work.

What tree surgery work might be needed before winter?

As autumn progresses, homeowners often become more aware of trees growing close to their homes, gardens, outbuildings and neighbouring properties.

There are several reasons you might want a professional tree surgeon to assess a tree.

Overhanging or damaged branches

Branches extending over buildings, driveways or neighbouring gardens can become a concern, particularly if they show signs of damage or decay.

Depending on the tree, selective pruning or crown reduction may help address the problem while retaining its natural shape.

Trees that have become too large for their surroundings

A tree that was suitable for a garden many years ago may now be competing for space with nearby buildings or other trees.

Removing the tree isn’t always necessary.

In some cases, carefully planned pruning can help manage its size and structure.

Dead or declining trees

Deadwood, fungal growth, significant branch dieback or changes in a tree’s stability may indicate that further investigation is needed.

These signs don’t always mean a tree must be removed, but they shouldn’t be ignored.

A professional assessment can help determine the appropriate course of action.

Tree removal and site clearance

Sometimes a tree cannot reasonably be retained, or removal is necessary as part of a wider property or land management project.

Tree felling and dismantling require careful planning, particularly where access is restricted or buildings and other structures are nearby.

Our team carries out tree removal and site clearance work across Kent for both domestic and commercial clients.

Should you wait until spring?

Not necessarily.

If you’re concerned about a tree, there’s no reason to wait until spring before seeking professional advice.

An assessment can help establish whether work is needed now, whether it would be better carried out at another time of year or whether the tree can simply be monitored.

It’s also worth remembering that trees can be subject to Tree Preservation Orders or conservation area restrictions.

These may require permission or prior notification before certain work is carried out.

Wildlife must also be considered. Active bird nests and protected species can affect when and how tree work takes place.

An experienced tree surgeon can explain the relevant considerations before work begins.

Planning tree surgery across Kent?

At About Trees, we work with homeowners, estates, schools and businesses throughout Kent, including Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham.

With almost 30 years of experience in arboriculture, Wayne and the team take a practical approach to tree management.

Sometimes that means recommending pruning or ongoing maintenance. Other times, a more substantial intervention may be appropriate.

The important thing is understanding the tree and making the right decision for the property.

Concerned about a tree after strong winds?

If you’ve been putting off arranging tree surgery, autumn and winter can be a useful time to review what needs doing.

Whether you’re considering crown reduction, tree pruning, tree removal or general tree maintenance, we’re happy to discuss your requirements.

Contact About Trees to arrange a free quotation for professional tree surgery in Kent.

Call 07814 577734 or request a quotation through our website.

Best Time To Book Tree Surgery Kent About Trees

Should You Water Your Trees During a Heatwave? Advice for Ashford Homeowners

Posted on 12/08/202617/08/2026 by Thom

With another hot and exceptionally dry summer affecting Kent, you may be spending more time watering your garden than usual. But while pots, hanging baskets and flower beds are obvious candidates for additional water, what about the trees in your garden?

For homeowners in Ashford, the answer depends largely on the age and condition of the tree.

Healthy, established trees are usually remarkably resilient and shouldn’t need regular watering. Younger and recently planted trees, however, can be much more vulnerable during prolonged periods without rain.

Do Mature Trees Need Watering?

In normal circumstances, established trees shouldn’t require regular watering. Their root systems extend much further into the surrounding soil than most garden plants, helping them access moisture during periods without rain.

During an exceptionally prolonged dry spell, however, even established trees can begin to show signs of stress.

Wilting foliage, significant leaf loss or leaves dropping considerably earlier than expected can all occur during very dry conditions. A tree already experiencing another health problem may also find it more difficult to cope with drought.

That doesn’t necessarily mean reaching immediately for the hose. If an established tree appears healthy, it will often be better adapted to the conditions than many of the other plants in your garden.

Newly Planted Trees Need More Attention

If you’ve had a new tree planted within the last few years, that’s where your attention should be focused.

New trees haven’t yet developed the extensive root systems found on mature specimens, meaning they’re much more reliant on moisture available relatively close to where they were planted.

During prolonged dry weather, thorough watering can help the moisture penetrate deeper into the soil and encourage the development of stronger roots.

Frequent light watering is generally less useful because much of the water remains close to the surface or evaporates before reaching deeper roots.

When Is The Best Time To Water A Tree?

During very warm weather, early morning is generally one of the best times to water your garden.

Temperatures are cooler and less water is lost through evaporation, allowing more moisture to reach the soil around the tree.

If morning watering isn’t practical, the evening can also be suitable once temperatures have started to fall.

Where possible, concentrate water around the root zone rather than spraying the leaves and branches. The objective is to get moisture into the soil where the tree can actually use it.

Does A Brown or Wilting Tree Need Pruning?

Not necessarily.

A tree losing leaves during prolonged dry weather doesn’t automatically require pruning, and removing branches without understanding why the tree is struggling could be unnecessary.

Changes to foliage can be caused by drought stress, but similar symptoms can also occur because of pests, disease, root problems or other environmental factors.

If you’re seeing substantial dieback, dead branches or a wider decline in the condition of a tree, a professional assessment can help identify what’s actually happening.

Can You Make Your Trees More Resilient To Dry Weather?

Looking after the soil surrounding a tree can help it retain moisture during periods of hot weather.

Mulching around the base can reduce moisture loss from the soil and competition from surrounding vegetation. Care should be taken not to pile mulch directly against the trunk.

For anyone considering planting new trees, choosing species suited to the conditions within your garden is also becoming increasingly important as hotter and drier summers place different pressures on our landscapes.

Worried About A Tree In Ashford, Kent?

If the summer heat has left you wondering whether a tree is simply stressed or showing signs of a more serious problem, About Trees can help.

We provide professional tree surgery across Ashford and the surrounding villages, helping homeowners understand the condition of their trees before recommending any work.

Visit our Tree Surgeon Ashford page to learn more about our local services or get in touch with About Trees to arrange professional advice.

Do I Need Permission To Remove A Tree In Ashford, Kent

Posted on 15/07/202622/07/2026 by Thom

If you have a tree on your property that’s become too large, damaged or unsafe, you may be wondering whether you can simply arrange for it to be removed. The answer isn’t always straightforward. While many trees can be removed without permission, others are protected by law, and carrying out work without the correct consent could result in significant fines.

At About Trees, we’re often asked whether permission is needed before tree removal in Ashford. This guide explains when permission may be required, how to check if a tree is protected and what to do before arranging any tree work.

Are All Trees Protected?

No. Most trees growing on private land can be maintained or removed without seeking permission. However, there are two main situations where legal protection may apply.

The first is when a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). A Tree Preservation Order is made by the local authority to protect trees that provide significant public amenity, landscape value or environmental importance. If a tree is protected by a TPO, you will normally need written permission before carrying out pruning, crown reduction or complete removal.

The second is if your property lies within one of Ashford’s Conservation Areas. Even if a tree isn’t covered by a Tree Preservation Order, you may still be required to give the council six weeks’ notice before carrying out work on certain trees within a Conservation Area.

How Can You Check If Permission Is Needed?

Before arranging tree work, it’s always worth checking whether your tree is protected.

Ashford Borough Council provides information about Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas, and you can contact the council if you’re unsure about your property’s status.

If you’re arranging professional tree surgery, an experienced contractor should also be able to advise you before any work begins. At About Trees, we always help customers understand whether permission may be required before carrying out tree removal or pruning.

What Happens If You Remove A Protected Tree?

Removing or carrying out unauthorised work to a protected tree can have serious consequences.

Local authorities have the power to prosecute anyone who damages or removes a protected tree without permission. In some cases, you may also be required to plant a replacement tree, even after the original has been removed.

This is why it’s always better to establish whether permission is needed before any work takes place.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are circumstances where work may be carried out without prior permission, even if a tree is protected.

For example, work may sometimes be permitted if a tree is dead or presents an immediate danger to people or property. However, the burden of proving this usually rests with the person carrying out the work, and evidence such as photographs or an independent assessment may be required.

Because every situation is different, professional advice should always be sought before proceeding.

Choosing The Right Tree Surgeon In Ashford

Whether permission is required or not, tree work should always be carried out safely and in accordance with current arboricultural standards.

As experienced tree surgeons serving Ashford and the surrounding villages, About Trees provides professional tree removal, pruning, crown reductions, hedge cutting and stump grinding for domestic and commercial customers. We can also advise on protected trees and help you understand the correct process before any work begins.

If you’re unsure whether your tree can be removed, we’re always happy to offer honest advice before work is scheduled.

Contact About Trees

If you’re looking for a trusted Tree Surgeon in Ashford, About Trees provides professional tree surgery services throughout Ashford and the surrounding area.

Whether you need advice about Tree Preservation Orders, help with tree removal or general tree maintenance, our experienced team is here to help.

Learn more about our Tree Surgeon services in Ashford or contact us today for friendly, professional advice.

About Trees Ltd is a professional tree surgeon based in Kent, providing reliable commercial tree services across the county. From safety inspections for schools to large scale site work for developers and housing associations, we support organisations with safe, efficient and fully insured tree surgery. Whether you’re in Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford or beyond, our qualified team is here to help.

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