As the temperatures drop and gardens become quieter, you might assume tree work needs to wait until spring.
But that isn’t necessarily the case.
Winter can actually be an excellent time to carry out certain types of tree work, particularly on many deciduous species.
From pruning and crown work to removing damaged or unwanted trees, professional tree surgery continues throughout the winter months.
So what can be done, and when might it be better to wait?
Why is tree work often carried out in winter?
By November, many deciduous trees have lost most or all of their leaves and entered their dormant period.
With the canopy bare, the tree's branch structure is much easier to see.
For a tree surgeon, this can make it easier to identify crossing branches, damaged limbs, structural issues and areas of the canopy that may benefit from pruning.
There's also less foliage to deal with, which can make certain jobs more straightforward.
Can trees be pruned during winter?
Many can.
For a number of deciduous species, winter is commonly a suitable time for pruning.
Depending on what the tree needs, this might include:
Crown reduction – reducing the overall height or spread of the canopy while maintaining an appropriate shape.
Crown thinning – selectively removing branches to reduce canopy density.
Crown lifting – removing or shortening lower branches to provide greater clearance.
Deadwooding – removing dead branches where appropriate.
However, not every species should be treated in exactly the same way.
Some trees are better pruned at other times of year, which is why identifying the species and understanding the reason for pruning should come before deciding when to carry out the work.
Can you remove a tree in winter?
Yes.
If a tree needs to be felled or removed, the work can often be carried out during winter.
A lack of leaves can sometimes make the tree easier to work with, although every removal is different.
The tree's size, location, condition and surrounding obstacles all influence how the work needs to be carried out.
Trees close to houses, sheds, roads, fences or neighbouring properties may need to be dismantled in sections rather than felled in one piece.
Ropes and rigging equipment can be used where necessary to control sections of the tree as they're removed.
Does cold weather stop tree surgery?
Normal winter temperatures don't automatically prevent professional tree work.
However, weather conditions always need to be considered.
Strong winds, storms, heavy snow, ice or other unsafe conditions can mean work needs to be postponed.
For professional arborists, the question isn't simply whether it's cold outside — it's whether the conditions allow the work to be carried out safely.
What about wet ground?
This can be an important consideration during winter.
Prolonged rain can leave lawns and gardens saturated, particularly on heavier soils.
Tree surgery often involves people, machinery and the movement of branches or timber through the garden, so very wet ground can increase the potential for damage.
Where possible, access and ground conditions should therefore be considered when planning the job.
Do trees still need checking for wildlife in winter?
Yes.
It's a common misconception that wildlife only needs to be considered during spring and summer.
While the main bird nesting season is associated with the warmer months, active nests can still be legally protected whenever they occur.
Bats are also legally protected and may use suitable features within trees throughout the year.
Professional tree work should therefore always consider the potential presence of protected wildlife, regardless of the month.
What about protected trees?
Winter doesn't change the rules surrounding protected trees either.
If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is within a Conservation Area, permission or notification may be required before certain work is carried out.
This should be checked before work begins.
Should you wait until spring?
Not necessarily.
If you already know a tree needs attention, there's often little reason to assume you have to wait for warmer weather.
In some cases, winter may actually be the preferred time for the work.
The important thing is to consider the tree species, the type of work required, its condition and the surrounding environment rather than choosing a date based purely on the season.
Thinking about having tree work done this winter?
Tall Tree Services carries out professional tree surgery throughout the year across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Malvern, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye.
From pruning and crown work to tree removals, our NPTC-qualified arborists can assess your trees and recommend the appropriate work and timing.
Get in touch with Tall Tree Services for a free quote.