When is the best time to survey trees?
Depending on the condition, observations can change throughout the year.
We often get asked when the best time of year is to survey trees. In reality, each season offers unique advantages and challenges for surveys. The ideal time to conduct a tree survey will depend on the specific objectives of the assessment and the details necessary for evaluating tree health and safety. In some cases, for trees that haven’t been surveyed before, there will be benefits of returning to look at the trees in different seasons to gather a full picture of the trees’ health throughout the year. Not forgetting that trees are living organisms and will have different physiological responses as the seasons change.
In this article, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of tree surveys throughout the different seasons.
Winter (December - February)
Benefits:
Bare branches allow for clear visibility of tree structure, including branch architecture and trunk integrity.
Easier identification of dead or dying branches and issues related to frost damage.
A good time to assess potential tree stability and risks related to harsh weather conditions, such as high winds or snow.
Excellent time to observe fungal infections which can indicate dead or decaying wood.
Drawbacks:
Limited crown cover may mask underlying health issues (e.g., root disease).
Some species' structural issues may not be fully evident until they start to leaf out in spring.
Some issues may not be visible until the tree is in full leaf.
Spring (March - May)
Benefits:
Trees are actively growing, allowing for easier assessment of foliage and overall health.
Flowering, new buds and early leaves can indicate reproductive health and provide insights into potential long-term growth patterns.
Pests may start to become observable as they seek new host trees.
Drawbacks:
Some trees may still show signs of winter damage which may take years to have an impact on the trees overall condition.
The presence of dense foliage can hinder visibility for structural assessments, particularly within the crown.
Summer (June - August)
Benefits:
Full canopy allows for robust assessment of tree health, including foliage colour, size and condition.
Full canopy cover creates heavier wind load and strong summer winds allows for assessment of stability and strength.
Insect activity is often more visible, helping to identify potential pest issues.
Drawbacks:
Dense foliage can obscure important structural features like branch unions, trunk anomalies, or splits in secondary or tertiary limbs.
Signs of some tree diseases may be less evident due to the lushness of summer growth.
Autumn (September - November)
Benefits:
Leaves changing colour can help in identifying tree species and assessing health.
Shorter grass and foliage around the base of trees can expose the structural and root systems, enabling a more thorough inspection.
Some tree diseases and pest infestations become more visible as foliage dies back.
Some fungi start to develop fruiting bodies, which gives an indication of underlying health issues.
Drawbacks:
The onset of leaf drop may obstruct views of the canopy's overall condition until most leaves have fallen.
Certain pests and diseases may not be evident until spring growth re-emerges.
As you can see, surveys and inspections can be undertaken at all times of year and there are benefits of each. Our advice is that if you are interested in the health of your trees, don’t put it off. If you would like to learn more about why it is important to understand tree health, read our previous blog on this topic.
If you have a survey with Generation Arboriculture and we advise that an observation during a different season within 12 months will be necessary, we will provide that follow up visit, free of charge.
Contact matt@generationarboriculture.co.uk or call us on 07846 510139 to arrange your survey now.