Oak Tree Surgery: Don’t Miss These 5 Warning Signs

With their majestic stature, oak trees are often seen as resilient giants in our gardens, seemingly impervious to the challenges of nature. However, like any other plant in your garden, oak trees need care and attention. So, if you notice any of these five warning signs, consult your local tree surgeon and enquire about Oak Tree Surgery. 

 

 

Dead branches can break off without warning, especially during storms, high winds, or under the weight of snow and ice. This poses a risk to anyone or anything underneath, including property, power lines, vehicles, and pedestrians. 

 

One of the most noticeable signs of a dead or dying branch is the absence of leaves when the rest of the tree is leafy. Or, in some cases, the leaves might turn brown and remain on the branch, whereas leaves on healthy branches fall off. 

 

Another area to check is the bark of the tree itself. On a healthy branch, the bark is intact and firm. In contrast, dead limbs often have bark peeling away or completely missing. The bark might sometimes fall off, revealing a bare, smooth surface underneath. 

 

Some trees naturally grow at a slight angle, especially if they are reaching for sunlight (called phototropism) due to shading from other trees or structures. This lean is typically gradual and can be observed over a long time. However, if a tree that was previously straight starts leaning suddenly, it's a significant cause for concern, indicating a potentially unstable tree. When checking your oak tree, it's important to look at the ground opposite the lean; if the soil is raised or cracked, it might be a sign that the tree is uprooting and could fall. 

 

In cases where the tree's structure is severely compromised, and there's a risk of falling, the safest option might be to remove the tree. We highly recommend consulting professional tree surgeons and enquiring about specialist oak tree surgery. 

 

Tree surgery is often associated with tree felling, but that is only one of our specialist oak tree surgery services. Felling is usually not required to maintain a safe and healthy environment; many issues can be corrected through careful and precise pruning. 

 

For example, trees growing too close to buildings can risk branches falling on roofs, windows, or other structures, especially during storms or windy conditions. Overgrown trees near utility lines can cause power outages or even fires if the branches come into contact with the lines. Our expert tree surgeons can use one of three techniques depending on the case in question. 

 

Crown reduction: Trimming the tree's height and outermost branches to decrease its size or redirect growth. 

Crown lifting: Removing the tree's lower branches for clearer paths or roads beneath. 

Crown thinning: Selectively pruning branches within the canopy to enhance light and air penetration and reduce wind resistance. 

 

Cracks in the bark or trunk of a tree are often a cause for concern, signalling potential structural weaknesses. Rapid temperature changes, especially in winter, can cause the tree's outer layer to contract faster than the inner layer, leading to cracks. This is often called "frost cracking" or "sunscald." 

 

Cracks can compromise the strength of the tree's trunk or branches, making them more likely to break, especially during storms or high winds. Additionally, a horizontal crack around the trunk can interrupt the flow of nutrients and water, effectively "girdling" the tree and potentially causing its death. 

 

 

While the appearance of basal shoots at the tree's base can be a natural occurrence, it often indicates stress or underlying issues. Proper management and attention to the tree's health can mitigate potential problems. Basal shoots are vigorous, vertical growths from the roots or the base of a tree's trunk. They are typically fast-growing and can look out of place compared to the tree's natural growth. 

 

If a tree consistently produces basal shoots, it's worth consulting a local tree surgeon, investigating, and addressing potential stressors. This might include improving soil conditions, adjusting watering practices, or protecting the tree from mechanical damage. 

 

 

Don't let the towering beauty of your oak tree become a hazard! With Denton Garden Services, a family-run business that values client satisfaction above all, you're in trusted hands. Operating in Denton, Stockport, Salford, and across Manchester, our team helps homeowners and businesses keep their gardens and outside spaces looking their best. Call 0161 327 1431 and speak to our team today!