A selection of some of the questions we are asked fairly regularly, with short answers. For a more individual response, you may like to arrange a site visit and consultation.

Trees

What is a TPO?
A TPO or Tree Preservation Order, has been placed on a tree to prevent anyone from cutting it down or otherwise harming a tree that is considered to be of importance, perhaps because it is a an attractive specimen and passers by enjoy seeing it, or because it is important as a habitat, for example, many oak trees have TPOs. These trees can still be pruned, but permission needs to be got first. Don’t worry; we can help you through the process!

We always check for TPOs and conservation orders as well the condition of the tree itself. Some trees can only be pruned at certain times of the year, because of infection or dormancy, for example and we take this and other factors into consideration. Anyone who offers to prune your tree or trees without checking these matters may not be a good person or company to choose for the work.

Why does it need pruning?
With a few exceptions, trees should be regularly pruned to maintain their health, and to ensure that they are not getting too big for their situation, casting too much shade, etc. We assess each tree individually, taking into account various factors, which will include when and how it was last pruned. (Trees often have different requirements as they age).

My neighbour said my old pear tree must be dying as it cropped so well last year. Is that true?
If it’s an old tree, or diseased, it may be having a ‘last fling’ if the crop was particularly full; but equally so, it could have just been a good year in your area.

Lawns

Why is my lawn muddy all winter?
The first things we would establish is what use the lawn gets over the winter; for example, football playing children, dogs chasing a ball around, chickens? Then we assess the overall condition of the lawn. Poor drainage is the usual culprit, sorting out this problem and seeding with  a different type of grass will help.