Frequently asked questions

• Can you advise on pruning my trees?
• When should I prune?
• Can you recommend a tree surgeon or consultant?
• Does ivy damage trees?
• I think my trees are dangerous/diseased. Can you come and inspect them for me?
• How can I tell if my tree is safe?
• My tree has a fungus growing on it, does this make the tree unsafe?

Can you advise on pruning my trees?

In many cases, the best form of tree management is not to prune at all. Pruning affects the natural state of the tree and also creates opportunities for decay fungi to enter the tree. If you feel you must prune your tree, it is best to mimic nature.

Crown reduction – that is making a tree smaller in size by overall pruning – is generally a bad form of management, because it is very unnatural for the tree and often stimulates strong regrowth. If you feel you must prune your tree, decide first what you want to achieve. Suitable work would normally take the form of:

Crown lifting – the removal of branches from ground level to a specified height, usually expressed in metres and ultimately producing a clear stem.

It is important that no branches bigger than 1/3^rd the size of the associated tree stem are removed, as such wounds can create a weakness on the tree. (See illustration opposite.)

Crown thinning – this is the thinning of the overall canopy of the tree, usually by no more than 20%. The tree will remain the same size but the canopy will be thinner, allowing more light to pass through. Such work is unlikely to stimulate strong regrowth. (See illustration opposite.)

Deadwooding – removing dead wood from a tree is useful.

Before doing any work it is essential to find out if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, or stands within a Conservation Area.

When should I prune my trees?

Pruning should be carried out when the tree is inactive, usually between November and February. However, certain species should be pruned in the summer, for example Cherry (Prunus species).

Avoid the time when the tree is coming out of its inactive stage. Pruning during late March, April and May may cause ‘bleeding’, when the rising sap weeps from the cut surface. This can severely stress the tree, disrupting its natural balance at a very important time.

If you have concerns about work you intend to carry out, consult a professional tree surgeon or arboricultural consultant.

Do not disturb nesting birds, as this is against the law (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981). You should avoid any disturbance by completing tree and hedging work out of the nesting season, March to September, but check carefully before you begin.

Can you recommend a tree surgeon or consultant?

We are unable to recommend contractors and would urge you to read the leaflet ‘Tree Work: Choosing your Arborist’ which gives very good advice on the subject. Email or call us for a copy.

Further advice and details of contractors and consultants are available from the Arboricultural Association [external link].

Does ivy damage trees?

Ivy uses trees for support and will not usually become fully established in healthy trees. As trees age and their crowns thin, the additional light getting through can stimulate growth of the ivy and may cause the tree to decline.

Ivy tends to become established in deciduous trees. As the trees lose their leaves, they also lower their wind resistance. The evergreen ivy creates wind resistance and added weight, which means that the tree is more likely to suffer damage in stormy conditions.

Ivy can also get in the way of tree inspections, making them difficult and hiding serious problems in the tree.

To remove ivy, cut away a section at least an inch in length low down, to isolate the growth towards the top of the tree. This will then die back and fall away, or can be pulled from the tree.

I think my trees are dangerous/diseased. Can you come and inspect them for me?

If you are concerned about the safety of a tree and it is in your garden, the Council cannot come and inspect them. You need to arrange for an expert to carry out such an assessment. Details of qualified arboricultral consultants in our region are available from the Arboricultural Association [external link].

If the tree is not in your garden, you should contact the owner of the tree and tell them of your concern. If the dangerous tree overhangs the highway, then you should contact the Norfolk County Council Highways department.

If you are concerned about the health of your tree and it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area, then we may be able to give you some advice. Otherwise you will need to consult an expert arboricultural consultant. Alist of these is available from the Arboricultural Association [external link].

If the tree is in the road, then you should contact Norfolk County Council Highways department.

How can I tell if my tree is safe?

Safety checks are best carried out by qualified experts. Contact the Arboricultural Association for details of consultants and contractors in the region.

My tree has a fungus growing on it, does this make the tree unsafe?

There are many types of fungi that affect wood. The fungus that you see on trees are a valuable tool in diagnosing what may be wrong with your tree and they are often suggest a wider problem. Removing the fungal growths will not get rid of the fungus, since by the time it is visible in this form, it is usually well established within the tree.

If you find fungi growing on your tree, call an expert to help - see the Arboricultural Association website [external link] for guidance.

Related pages on this website

• Conservation areas
• Trees, hedges & your property
• Protected trees & hedges

External links

Arboricultural Association
Useful guidance on choosing a tree surgeon or consultant, and a list of approved contractors.

Norfolk County Council: road maintenance
For reporting fallen trees or trees overhanging the highway.

About links to other websites.