Bonfire Night means fireworks, sparklers and, for many people, a bonfire in the garden.
But before you choose where to build one, there’s something nearby that’s easy to overlook: your trees.
A bonfire doesn’t need to be directly underneath a tree to cause damage. Heat can affect trunks and branches, flames can reach further than expected, and even the ground beneath a tree can contain important roots.
So, if you’re planning a bonfire this November, here’s why its location matters.
Can a bonfire actually damage a tree?
Yes.
Trees might look pretty resilient, but intense heat can damage their living tissues.
The bark provides protection, but prolonged or extreme heat can injure the tissues beneath it. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can affect part of the trunk or individual branches.
And unlike us, a tree can't simply move further away when things get a little too warm.
Don't light a bonfire underneath the canopy
It might seem obvious not to build a fire directly beside a trunk, but it's worth looking up as well as around you.
Branches can extend a considerable distance from the trunk.
Heat rises, and flames can become much larger than expected once a bonfire gets going. Low branches and foliage above the fire can therefore be exposed to significant heat.
Dry or dead material within a tree may also increase the fire risk.
The safest approach is to keep bonfires well away from trees, hedges and other vegetation.
Remember what's underneath the ground
The visible tree is only part of the picture.
A tree's root system extends out through the surrounding soil, often well beyond the area immediately around the trunk.
Building a bonfire close to a tree can expose the soil and roots beneath it to high temperatures.
Roots close to the surface can be particularly vulnerable, and damage to them may affect the tree's ability to take up water and nutrients or provide structural support.
So don't assume that a fire is far enough away simply because it isn't touching the trunk.
Be careful with piles of garden waste
Autumn garden tidying can leave you with piles of branches, leaves and other material.
Before deciding to burn them, remember that piles of vegetation can also provide shelter for wildlife.
Hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable around Bonfire Night because a pile of logs and leaves can look like an ideal place to shelter.
If a bonfire has been prepared in advance, moving the material to a fresh site before lighting it and carefully checking it can help reduce the risk of wildlife being hidden inside.
Your trees aren't the only things to think about
Trees, hedges and piles of natural material can support all sorts of wildlife.
So before lighting a bonfire, check the surrounding area as well as the bonfire itself.
Bonfire Night can be great fun for us, but our gardens are home to plenty of animals that have absolutely no idea why November suddenly got so noisy.
What about fireworks and trees?
Fireworks should also be used with the surroundings in mind.
Trees can create overhead obstructions, while dry vegetation and accumulated leaves can present an additional fire risk.
Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and make sure the area you choose is appropriate for the type of firework being used.
Can you burn tree cuttings on a bonfire?
There are rules around burning waste and causing smoke nuisance, so don't assume that all garden or tree waste can simply go onto a bonfire.
There may also be much better uses for tree material.
Woodchip, logs and suitable branches can potentially be reused, recycled or retained as habitat, depending on the material and circumstances.
At Tall Tree Services, we always consider how tree waste can be dealt with responsibly following a job.
What if a tree has already been damaged by fire?
Signs of heat or fire damage can include blackened or scorched bark, damaged foliage, dead branches or areas of bark beginning to loosen.
The extent of visible scorching doesn't necessarily tell you the full extent of the damage.
If a significant tree has been exposed to a bonfire or other fire, particularly around the trunk or root area, it's worth getting professional advice rather than immediately cutting damaged sections away.
The tree may need to be monitored or assessed to understand how it responds.
Enjoy Bonfire Night — just give your trees some space
The main message is a simple one:
Bonfires and trees don't make particularly good neighbours.
Keep fires well away from trunks, branches, roots and hedges, check garden waste carefully for wildlife and think about what's both above and below ground when choosing your location.
Your trees will probably appreciate being spectators rather than part of the display.
Concerned about a tree in your garden?
Tall Tree Services provides professional tree surgery throughout Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Malvern, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye.
Our NPTC-qualified arborists can assess damaged or concerning trees and recommend appropriate work where needed.
Get in touch with Tall Tree Services for a free quote.