Most trees need less than people think. But a few signs mean call someone now rather than next spring.
Deadwood in the crown, branches touching the building or cables, low branches obstructing the garden, and crossing or rubbing limbs are the everyday signs.
Fungal brackets on the trunk, a sudden lean, cracks, or large limbs shedding are the urgent ones — those warrant an assessment now rather than at your convenience.
| What you notice | Likely work |
|---|---|
| The garden is darker than it was | Crown thin |
| Cannot mow or walk under it | Crown lift |
| Twigs and dead bits on the lawn | Deadwooding |
| Branches on the roof or gutters | Targeted removal |
| It has outgrown the space | Reduction |
| Brackets, cracks or a new lean | Assessment, urgently |
| Leaves smaller or sparser than usual | Assessment — may indicate stress |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
See what our tree surgery service covers in Hengrove, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Everyday signs are deadwood in the crown, branches touching the building or cables, low branches obstructing the garden, and crossing or rubbing limbs.
Fungal brackets on the trunk or base, a sudden lean with soil lifting, cracks or splits, large limbs shedding without a storm, and cavities at a fork. Those need an assessment now.
No. A healthy tree with room to grow may need nothing for years. Pruning is a response to a problem, not routine maintenance like mowing.
Not always. Deadwood high in a crown away from anything is valuable habitat. It matters where it is over a path, a garden or a building.
They generally indicate decay inside the tree. It does not always mean removal, but it does mean the tree should be assessed properly.
No. That is how trees get pruned badly and in the wrong month. Decide what you need, then choose who does it.
Walk round it twice a year, once in leaf and once bare. Look at the base for brackets and lifting soil, look up for deadwood and cracks, and photograph it annually.
Whether the tree is protected, with Bristol City Council, and that whoever quotes can show insurance covering tree work at height.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
