Summer is the time most of us actually use our gardens. Barbecues, children playing outside, garden parties with friends and family. It’s a wonderful thing, but it’s also worth pausing to think about whether your trees are in a safe condition before the garden fills up with people.
At Cork Tree Surgeons, we see a noticeable increase in enquiries at this time of year from homeowners who want to make sure everything is in order before the summer gets into full swing. Here’s what to look out for.
Start with a Walk Around
You don’t need any expertise to carry out a basic check. Simply walk around your garden and look up. Are there any branches that look dead, dry or disconnected from the rest of the tree? Dead branches, sometimes called hangers, can fall without warning and are one of the most common causes of injury in domestic gardens.
Also look for branches that are hanging at an unusual angle, or any that appear to have cracked part way through. These are red flags that need professional attention.
Think About Where People Will Be
It’s worth considering where guests and children tend to gather. If your seating area, lawn or play space sits directly beneath a tree, that tree deserves a closer look. A branch that might cause minimal damage falling onto an empty lawn becomes a very different proposition when people are underneath it.
Check the Base of the Tree
Look at the ground around the base of the trunk. Mushrooms or fungal growth can indicate internal decay that isn’t visible from the outside. Cracked or raised soil around the roots can suggest the tree is under stress or beginning to lean. Neither of these should be ignored.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot anything that concerns you, or if you simply aren’t sure, it’s always worth getting a professional opinion. A quick assessment from an experienced tree surgeon takes very little time and gives you genuine peace of mind.
At Cork Tree Surgeons, we offer free assessments and will give you an honest appraisal of what, if anything, needs doing. There is no obligation, just straightforward advice from people who know trees.
Get in touch today and enjoy your summer with confidence.