As Hull braces for the storm season, efforts to mitigate the risk of falling trees are underway, with specialized teams working to prevent hazards that threaten both life and property.
On Westbourne Avenue, a tree surgeon ascends in a crane to prune high branches, while workers below feed dead wood into a chipper. The initiative is part of the city’s proactive measures to keep its 60,000 trees safe, nearly half of which line Hull’s streets.
Local residents have experienced the dangers firsthand. During storms in May and August, several vehicles were damaged by falling branches.
“The weather is getting stormier and windier, and we have to be more vigilant,” said Charles Quinn, the city councillor responsible for environmental affairs. “This proactive work ensures that trees are safe, reducing the number of branches coming down in storms.”
Hull’s tree maintenance crews employ a variety of techniques to manage potential risks. Workers routinely trim branches, reduce canopies, and use pollarding—cutting back trees to keep them smaller than they would naturally grow.
More advanced tools, such as ultrasound technology, help identify internal health issues within the trees. Trees that are diseased, damaged, or have problematic branches are flagged for action, although removal is considered a last resort.
“There are some historic plantings here in the Avenues that have reached the end of their natural lives,” said Andrew Wilson, Hull City Council’s open space development officer. “We try to keep these trees safe while maintaining the character of the area, but we also have a planting program to ensure sustainable verges.”
Autumn poses a particular challenge, as trees in full leaf catch the wind like “a sail,” increasing the likelihood of falling during storms. Wet ground can loosen roots, making trees more susceptible to toppling, whereas dry weather tends to result in more broken branches.
“Despite our best efforts, trees will inevitably fall,” Wilson admitted. “The proactive work reduces incidents, but we can’t predict every weak fissure.”
The crews are not just busy during storms; the tree surgeons, like Craig Davis, are on call 24/7 throughout the year. “It’s a physical job that can be demanding, especially in the summer when we’re wearing lots of protective gear,” said Davis.
“But we make it sustainable by using the chippings for biomass boilers, so there’s a benefit for someone along the line.”
While the evidence remains inconclusive, fears about climate change worsening storms are shaping the city’s approach to tree management. Higher temperatures in recent years, including peaks above 40°C, have caused some trees to show signs of stress.
“We are slowly adapting by considering different species that can better cope with these changing conditions,” Wilson noted.
With ongoing crowning work and careful management, Hull’s tree maintenance teams aim to minimize the risks this storm season brings, making the city’s green spaces safer for all.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
