5 Warning Signs Your Tree Needs Attention Before Autumn Storms

Autumn storms are one of the most predictable risks in the UK gardening calendar, and yet tree-related storm damage catches homeowners out every year. The good news is that trees rarely fail without warning, there are usually visible signs beforehand, if you know what to look for. Here are five worth checking before the weather turns.

1. Deadwood in the canopy

Dead branches are lighter and drier than living wood, and they're often the first thing to come down in high wind. A scattering of small deadwood is normal, but significant deadwood, especially large limbs, is worth having assessed, since it can indicate the tree is struggling more broadly.

2. Fungal growth at the base or on the trunk

Bracket fungi growing from the trunk or around the root flare can be a sign of internal decay, which isn't always visible from the outside. Not every fungus means a tree is dangerous, but it's a strong enough signal that it's worth a professional opinion.

3. Cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs

A crack running along the trunk, or a split where a large limb meets the trunk, weakens the structure considerably and can worsen quickly under wind load. These are one of the more urgent signs to have checked.

4. A lean that's new or getting worse

Some trees naturally grow with a lean and are perfectly stable. What matters is change, a lean that's appeared recently, or one that's visibly increasing, especially alongside lifted soil or exposed roots on one side, can indicate the root system is failing.

5. Unusual leaf loss or dieback

Patchy leaf loss, browning foliage out of season, or dead sections in the upper canopy can point to root damage, disease or drought stress from earlier in the year, problems that often only become obvious once a tree is under additional wind load.

What to do next

None of these signs are a reason to panic, and none are something to tackle yourself, assessing a mature tree safely takes training and the right equipment. If you've spotted one or more of these signs, or you're simply not sure, a professional assessment will tell you whether the tree needs monitoring, pruning, or, in a minority of cases, removal. Removal is always the last resort, considered only once other options have been ruled out.

Get a free, no-obligation quote

Spotted one of these signs on your tree? Gem Tree Management covers Watford and within 30 miles. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote before the storm season arrives.