Winter Tree Risks Most Homeowners Miss:

Expert Tree Surgery Advice for North East England, Scottish Borders & Cumbria

Winter storms often get blamed for fallen branches and tree damage, but in reality, winter weather usually reveals existing tree defects rather than causing them.

For homeowners across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, winter is one of the most important times to assess tree safety, especially where trees are close to houses, roads, driveways or neighbouring properties.

Below, we explain the most common winter tree risks homeowners miss and why winter tree inspections carried out by a qualified tree surgeon are so important.

Deadwood Is a Major Winter Tree Hazard

Dead or dying branches become significantly heavier in winter due to prolonged rainfall, frost and high winds. Without leaves to slow them down, these branches can fall suddenly and without warning.

From a tree surgery perspective, deadwood removal is one of the most common winter call-outs we attend, particularly after storms.

Why this matters for homeowners: Deadwood falling from height can damage roofs, vehicles, fencing and outbuildings, and poses a serious risk to people below.

Strong Winds Expose Structural Weakness in Trees

High winds don’t usually cause tree defects, they highlight structural weaknesses that already exist.

These can include:

• Weak branch unions

• Poor previous pruning

• Unbalanced canopies

• Hidden decay within the trunk or limbs

If a tree sways excessively, creaks during storms, or drops large limbs, it’s often a sign that professional tree surgery assessment is needed.

This is especially important for trees close to homes in built-up areas such as Newcastle, Morpeth, Hexham, Alnwick and Carlisle.

Waterlogged Ground Can Compromise Tree Root Stability

Winter rainfall saturates the soil, reducing the stability of tree root systems. Trees with underlying root decay or shallow root plates may begin to lean or show movement at ground level.

Warning signs include:

• Cracks or lifting soil around the base of the tree

• A new or increasing lean

• Visible root movement in windy conditions

Root instability is one of the leading causes of tree failure in winter and should be assessed promptly by an experienced arborist.

Winter Makes Tree Defects Easier to Identify

Once leaves have fallen, tree surgeons can clearly assess the structure, health and condition of a tree.

Winter inspections make it easier to spot:

• Cavities and cracks

• Fungal growth and decay

• Dead or dying limbs

• Structural defects hidden by foliage in summer

This allows remedial tree work to be planned safely and efficiently — often preventing the need for emergency tree removal later on.

Why Waiting Until Spring Can Be Risky

Many homeowners assume tree work should wait until spring or summer. While some pruning is seasonal, tree inspections and safety assessments are often best carried out in winter.

Early assessment can:

• Prevent storm-related damage

• Reduce emergency call-outs

• Allow controlled, planned tree surgery rather than urgent removals

Winter is also an ideal time for tree removal, crown reduction and deadwood removal, subject to wildlife considerations.

The Importance of a Professional Winter Tree Inspection

A professional winter tree inspection carried out by a qualified tree surgeon will assess:

• Root stability and soil condition

• Structural integrity of the tree

• Deadwood and decay

• Proximity to buildings, highways and boundaries

• Risk to people and property

At TC Tree Services, we provide professional tree surgery services across North East England, the Scottish Borders and Cumbria, including Northumberland, Newcastle, Durham, Carlisle and surrounding rural estates.

Our approach is always honest and proportionate — we do not remove trees unnecessarily and always aim to preserve healthy trees wherever possible.

When Should You Contact a Tree Surgeon?

You should seek professional advice if you’ve noticed:

• Storm-damaged or hanging branches

• Trees leaning or moving at the base

• Cracks in the trunk or ground around roots

• Trees close to houses, driveways or public access areas

If in doubt, it’s always better to arrange a tree inspection than wait for damage to occur.

Professional Tree Surgery Services This Winter

We offer tree inspections, tree pruning, tree removal and emergency tree work throughout the winter months.

📍 Serving North East England, the Scottish Borders & Cumbria

Domestic, commercial and estate tree surgery

Contact us today to arrange a winter tree inspection or quote