A Homeowner’s Guide to Looking After Established Trees in Cobham and Weybridge

Established trees in Cobham and Weybridge add an extra element of beauty to your gardens. They can provide shade in warmer months, give you privacy from your neighbour’s properties and provide natural scenery to your homes.

The main difference with looking after an established tree is the potential issues they can cause. Large branches, older wood and changing ground levels can cause issues.

Whilst there is no need to become a tree expert, knowing what to look out for can help you keep your trees healthy for many years.

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

Whilst many established trees can be looked after without much intervention, there are a few signs to look out for.

Large dead branches, cracking main branches, fungi at the base and sudden changes in the appearance of your tree can all indicate issues.

A tree that is leaning towards your property or neighbour could also cause concern.

By contacting a qualified tree surgeon in Cobham they can advise you on whether your tree will need pruning, or further investigation.

Professional help can ensure you don’t waste your time doing unnecessary work. Not all overhanging branches will need to be removed and over-pruning can cause further issues.

Understanding Established Trees

As trees age, they will start to change.

An established oak, beech or cedar will have a wide canopy and well-established roots. These roots are vital for taking up water and nutrients.

Excavation, compacted soil and changing ground levels can cause issues to the roots.

If you are planning any developments in your garden, such as patio, extending driveway or building a garden room, this can cause issues to the root zone.

All About Weybridge have written an article explaining why you should take into consideration any existing trees, soil and drainage in your garden when planning to give your garden a facelift in Weybridge.

Be Careful When Pruning

Pruning can be beneficial to help maintain a good tree structure, remove damaged branches and control growth in tight spaces.

However, if you are cutting too much off an established tree this can cause stress and cause poor regrowth.

Crown reduction is where selected branches are cut back to reduce the size of the canopy. Crown lifting is where selected low branches are removed to improve the clearance of the tree.

There are different reasons for undertaking these processes so should not be done just because the tree has grown large.

Avoid topping or cutting back main branches unless you understand what it can cause. By contacting a qualified arborist they can advise on what work can be carried out to suit your tree type, condition and location.

Avoid Damaging the Roots

One of the less obvious issues with established trees is damaging the roots.

Having vehicles parked underneath, heavy building materials stored near the base and vehicles driven over can cause compacted soil. This will reduce air and water movement within the ground.

Digging trenches for drainage, fencing or cable running can cause damage to important roots.

Where possible try to avoid placing heavy machinery or digging near the tree root zone.

If you have a large project, you may need an arboricultural report to ensure you know the best place to work and recommendations for protecting your tree.

Tree Preservation Orders

Before carrying out any major work on your trees in Cobham and Weybridge, you should check if they are protected by law.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) can mean you cannot cut, prune or remove the tree without the correct permission.

If your tree is in a conservation area you may also need to notify.

As both towns are in the Borough of Elmbridge you can contact Elmbridge Borough Council.

You can get into trouble if you carry out any work on protected trees without permission. It is best to check what you need to do before booking any major pruning or removal.

Regular Observation

Established trees benefit from being observed regularly.

During Spring and Summer watch for any unusual leaf drop, discolouration or lack of new growth.

During Autumn you can check the canopy of your tree. As the leaves start to fall you will be able to see any damaged or dead branches.

After periods of high winds or storms check for any hanging branches, new roots and any changes to the position of the tree. If there are any damaged trees, stay well away until they have been checked.

Long periods of dry weather can also cause issues.

Providing Habitat

Established trees can provide lots of habitat.

They provide homes for birds to nest, insects to hide and potential homes for bats. If they have deadwood this can provide important habitat.

Before booking any pruning or removal consider if the tree provides habitat for protected wildlife.

Do not disturb active nests and if it has potential bat roosts an ecological survey may be needed.

With the right positioning of safe dead branches you can benefit wildlife in some cases.

Prevention is Key

The best way to look after your established trees is to try and prevent any issues.

Keep a basic log of when you have checked the trees, any previous pruning and note any changes you have seen.

If the trees are close to buildings, footpaths or regularly used areas of your garden you may want to have a professional check them on a regular basis. The frequency will depend on the condition and surroundings.

Consider your future garden plans. If your tree does eventually need replacing due to its age, choosing the right species and planting position can help prevent the same issues.

Overall established trees are a great asset to residential gardens in Cobham and Weybridge. By having sensible maintenance, protecting during any build works and seeking professional help when required you will be able to keep your trees and have a safe and enjoyable garden.