Spring tree check: what to look for before growth takes off

Spring in Canterbury arrives fast — one warm nor’wester and everything that looked dead suddenly wants to take over the property. Before the growth flush hits, grab a coffee and walk your section with fresh eyes. Here’s what an arborist looks for, and what you can spot yourself.

1. Dead and damaged limbs

Winter storms leave calling cards: hanging branches, cracked forks and limbs that never leafed up last season. Stand back and look at each tree’s silhouette — dead wood shows as bare, grey spikes against the new buds. Anything over paths, driveways or play areas deserves attention first.

2. Crossing and rubbing branches

Branches rubbing together wound each other every windy day, opening the door to decay. A clean removal cut on the weaker of the pair now saves a much bigger problem in five years.

3. Clearance

Check gaps over roofs, driveways, fences and service lines. Foliage touching a roof keeps it damp and invites moss; branches near lines are a job for the professionals, full stop.

4. Hedges about to bolt

If last year’s trim line has already vanished under new shoots, book the trim early. Hedges cut before the spring surge stay crisp far longer than ones chased mid-summer.

5. The lean test

Notice a tree leaning further than last year, soil heaving on one side, or fresh fungal brackets at the base? Don’t wait — those are the signs that warrant a professional look promptly.

Spotted something concerning? Call 022 342 7507 for a free quote and honest advice — spring is our favourite time to get trees back in shape.

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