Oak Valley Tree Consultancy

Oak Valley Tree Consultancy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Oak Valley Tree Consultancy, Business service, Lower Oak Farm, Okehampton.

Arboricultural specialists providing BS5837 tree reports for planning and development, tree safety inspections, advanced tree risk assessments and TPO planning applications.

🌳 Can you still water street trees during a hosepipe ban? 🚿​With dry spells and Temporary Use Bans in place across the S...
17/08/2026

🌳 Can you still water street trees during a hosepipe ban? 🚿

​With dry spells and Temporary Use Bans in place across the South West, many residents have been asking us: ‘Can I still water my newly planted trees or local street trees?’

​The short answer: YES!
​Here is what you need to know to keep our local canopy healthy without falling foul of water restrictions:
​🪣 Buckets & Watering Cans are ALWAYS allowed: The ban applies strictly to hosepipes connected to the mains supply. Using a watering can, rainwater butt, or clean greywater is 100% permitted.

​🌿 Exemption for Young Trees: Under water company regulations, newly planted trees, saplings, and whips can be watered using a hosepipe if watering by hand is not reasonably practicable to prevent tree loss.

​💧 Drip Irrigation is Permitted: Fixed drip or trickle irrigation systems feeding directly to root systems (fitted with a timer and pressure-reducing valve) are generally exempt.

​🏛️ Council & Commercial Maintenance: Street tree maintenance carried out by local authorities, commercial contractors, and tree wardens is exempt from domestic restrictions.

​Quick Tree Care Tips:
​Give it a deep soak: Give your tree 10–20 litres (1–2 full watering cans) once or twice a week rather than a daily sprinkle. This encourages deep, drought-resilient root growth.

​Time it right: Water early in the morning or in the evening to avoid rapid evaporation in the midday sun.

​Use the pipe or watering bag: If the tree has a green irrigation bag or a perforated pipe at its base, pour water directly into it to deliver hydration straight to the roots.
​Got questions regarding tree health, BS5837 planning reports, or tree safety inspections across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset? Reach out to our team:

​📞 Office: 01837 759 179 (Ext.2)
📱 Mobile: 07817 573 066
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.oakvalleytc.co.uk

🌳 A spot of arboricultural sight-seeing in Germany! 🇩🇪​While our lead consultant was away in Germany recently, they coul...
15/08/2026

🌳 A spot of arboricultural sight-seeing in Germany! 🇩🇪

​While our lead consultant was away in Germany recently, they couldn't help but notice these young street trees—American sweetgums (Liquidambar styraciflua)—sporting distinctive bright white trunks.

​It might look unusual, but this is a standard European practice known as Weißanstrich (white trunk coating). Here is why it’s done:

​Prevents Frost Cracks & Sunscald: On sunny winter days, thin bark absorbs heat and tricks the tissue beneath into waking up early. Freezing night temperatures then cause that active tissue to rupture, leaving severe vertical scars.

​Acts as "Sunscreen" in Summer: Radiant heat bouncing off tarmac and pavements can easily bake young bark. The breathable, lime-based paint reflects harsh UV radiation, keeping the trunk cool.

​Blocks Pests & Pathogens: By preventing cracks from forming in the first place, the coating stops wood-boring insects, fungi, and bacteria from gaining an easy way in.

​Once the canopy grows dense enough to cast its own protective shade and the bark naturally thickens, the non-toxic paint gradually washes away.

​A clever bit of proactive urban forestry in action! 🌿

​Have you ever spotted these on your travels?

​Oak Valley Tree Consultancy

🌳 ☀️ 🔥 IS YOUR NEW TREE SURVIVING THE HEAT? 🔥​When the temperature soars into the 30s, we head for the shade. But what a...
01/08/2026

🌳 ☀️ 🔥 IS YOUR NEW TREE SURVIVING THE HEAT? 🔥

​When the temperature soars into the 30s, we head for the shade. But what about the young, newly planted trees on your property—or in the new housing developments down the road?

​Right now, young trees across the UK are quietly dying of thirst. 🌲💦
​At Oak Valley Tree Consultancy, we’re seeing a heartbreaking trend this summer: countless saplings and young trees planted in new developments, gardens, and community spaces are dropping like flies. They look tidy when the developers hand over the keys, but without proper care in their first few critical years, they stand zero chance against a hot summer.

​A newly planted tree hasn't had time to establish a deep root system yet. While a mature tree can dig deep for groundwater, a sapling relies entirely on the top layer of soil—the exact layer that bakes dry first. By the time you see yellowing leaves or brittle branches, it’s often too late.

​⚠️ Why New Trees Need Urgent Action:
​No Roots, No Survival: A newly planted tree loses up to 90% of its root system when transplanted. It takes 2–3 years of consistent care just to get established!
​The Development Problem: Developers are required to plant trees, but ongoing maintenance is frequently neglected. Millions of pounds worth of green investment are lost every year to simple dehydration.

​Irreplaceable Loss: Replacing a dead young tree resets the clock, costing more money and delaying the shade, beauty, and biodiversity benefits by years.
​💧 How to Save a Young Tree (The 2-Minute Rescue):
​If you have a young tree in your garden—or one struggling on the pavement outside your house—here is how to keep it alive:

​Use the "Bucket Method": Skip the light hose sprinkle! A young tree needs a deep, concentrated drenching. Pour 10 to 20 litres of water slowly around the base 2–3 times a week during hot spells.

​Check the Water Bag: If the tree has a green watering bag attached to its stake, fill it right up! They are designed to release water slowly into the root zone.
​Clear the Competition: Keep the ground around the base free from dense grass and weeds—they will steal every drop of moisture before the tree gets a sip.

​Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Apply a 5–7cm ring of woodchips around the base (leaving a small gap around the stem) to trap moisture and protect vulnerable young roots from the heat.

​If you're a homeowner, parish council, or site manager worried about young trees failing on your property or development, don't wait until they turn brown. Drop us a message or send over a photo—we can help you put a proper watering and retention plan in place. 🌳💚

​Oak Valley Tree Consultancy
📞 01837 759179 (Ext.2)
📱 07817 573066 (Craig)
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.OakValleyTC.co.uk

🌳 Protect Your Ash Trees. Combat Ash Dieback.​Are you concerned about suspicious signs on your Ash trees? Take a look at...
07/07/2026

🌳 Protect Your Ash Trees. Combat Ash Dieback.

​Are you concerned about suspicious signs on your Ash trees? Take a look at the image below. It shows some of the classic symptoms of Ash Dieback, including distinct lesions on the bark and withered, dying foliage.

​Ash Dieback (Chalara fraxinea) is a devastating fungal disease affecting trees across the UK. It causes serious crown dieback, leaf loss, and can eventually lead to the death of the tree. Beyond the loss of beautiful trees, infected trees can become extremely weak and hazardous, posing a serious risk to people and property.

​Early detection is critical. At Oak Valley Tree Consultancy, our experienced arboricultural consultants are experts in the detailed diagnosis of Chalara symptoms.

​Our tree safety inspections provide:

✅ A comprehensive health assessment.

✅ Detailed diagnosis of Chalara symptoms.

✅ Expert management plans tailored to your specific tree population.

✅ Risk assessment to identify hazardous trees before they pose a serious risk.

​Don't wait until it's too late. Protect your property, secure your woodlands, and combat this disease with expert advice. We pride ourselves on clear communication and delivering honest, professional service to both landowners and homeowners.

​For completely free, no-obligation advice, recommendations, and a quotation, contact our team today.

​📞 Book Now: 01837 759 179 | 07817 573 066

🌐 Learn more on our website: www.OakValleyTC.co.uk

🌳 ​☀️ 🔥 IS YOUR GARDEN SWEATING? YOUR TREES ARE! 🔥​When the thermostat starts creeping into the 30s, most of us grab an ...
06/07/2026

🌳 ​☀️ 🔥 IS YOUR GARDEN SWEATING? YOUR TREES ARE! 🔥

​When the thermostat starts creeping into the 30s, most of us grab an iced drink, head for the shade, and try not to melt. But while we’re doing our best to stay cool, the unsung heroes of our gardens—our trees—are standing out in the blazing sun, taking the brunt of the heatwave for us.

​And right now? They are absolutely parched. 🌲💦

​It’s easy to remember to water the flowers or the lawn when they start to droop, but trees are masters of hiding their stress. By the time their leaves start turning brown, crispy, or dropping early, they’ve actually been suffering for weeks.

​As tree consultants, we see the aftermath of this every summer. Here is why giving your trees a little extra love right now is so important:

•​They Keep Your Home Cool: A mature canopy provides incredible natural cooling for your house and garden. If you take care of them, they’ll keep taking care of your local environment! 📉

•​Preventing "Silent Stress": Extreme heat weakens a tree’s natural immune system, leaving it wide open to pests and diseases. Deep watering is their best shield.

•​Protecting Your Investment: Trees take decades to grow but just one brutal, dry summer can cause permanent damage.

​💧 How to Water Like an Expert:
​Please don't just spray the leaves with a garden hose for two minutes! Most of that water just evaporates before it ever reaches the roots. Instead, use our favourite "Low and Slow" method:

1.​ Target the "Drip Line": The vital absorbing roots aren't right next to the trunk; they sit directly under the outer edge of the tree's leaf canopy.

2. ​Soak, Don't Sprinkle: Turn your hose down to a slow trickle and leave it near the drip line for 20–30 minutes, moving it once or twice around the tree. You want that water to sink a good 30cm (12 inches) into the soil.

3. ​Mulch is Magic: If you have some, add a 5–7cm layer of organic mulch around the base to lock that moisture in. Just remember to keep it a few centimetres away from the bark of the trunk itself.

​Go give your trees a proper drink this evening—they’ll thank you with beautiful, cool shade all summer long!

​If you're worried about a mature or specimen tree on your property showing signs of heat stress, drop us a message or a photo. We're always here to help. 🌳💚

Oak Valley Tree Consultancy
01837 759179 (Ext.2)
07817 573066 (Craig)
[email protected]
www.OakValleyTC.co.uk

Professional Tree Safety Inspection​Woodland Path Safety Assessment​Lead Consultant: Craig​Site Focus: Identifying hazar...
20/06/2026

Professional Tree Safety Inspection

​Woodland Path Safety Assessment

​Lead Consultant: Craig

​Site Focus: Identifying hazards to ensure visitor safety and maintain woodland health.

​Key Issues Identified:

•​Ganoderma Decay: Spotted and noted for management.

•​Deadwood Hazards: Located large dead branches marked with red and yellow arrows that will be removed immediately.

•​Leaning Stem & Root Stability: Identified a leaning tree with questionable root plate stability that requires monitoring.

​"With professional assessments like this, we ensure our precious green spaces can be enjoyed responsibly."

​For all your tree consultancy needs, visit: www.OakValleyTC.co.uk

You often notice a struggling tree by comparison.One tree is in full summer bloom, vibrant and lush. The tree beside it ...
15/06/2026

You often notice a struggling tree by comparison.

One tree is in full summer bloom, vibrant and lush. The tree beside it looks sparse, brittle, and tired.

That contrast becomes much clearer during the peak growing season.

But a tree lacking life isn’t always a lost cause. Drought stress, pests, hidden root damage, or soil compaction can all mimic the signs of a dying tree.

That is why an expert assessment matters.

At Oak Valley Tree Consultancy, we look beyond the surface. We inspect the crown, bark, stem, base, and the critical root zone. We also look at what sits nearby.

A dead branch over an open field is one thing. A compromised limb hanging over a driveway, public footpath, or your roof is an entirely different level of risk.

Don't guess when it comes to tree safety and health. Let the experts give you clarity.

🌳 Worried about a tree on your property?
Get a professional evaluation from our qualified arboricultural consultants.
👉 Visit www.OakValleyTC.co.uk to book a consultation.

🌳 Ever Seen a Tree Get an IV? Welcome to Trunk Infusion Therapy!When a tree is under attack by pests or diseases, tradit...
11/06/2026

🌳 Ever Seen a Tree Get an IV? Welcome to Trunk Infusion Therapy!

When a tree is under attack by pests or diseases, traditional canopy spraying isn't always the best or most responsible option. Wind can blow the chemical spray away, and rain can wash it directly into the soil.

That’s why the team at Oak Valley Tree Consultancy uses advanced Trunk Infusion Therapy-essentially an IV drip for trees! 💉🌳

Using specialised systems like Enerbite, we inject targeted treatments directly into the tree's active vascular system. The tree then naturally pumps the protection right up into the leaves and branches where it is needed most.

Why we recommend this method:
✅ Targeted Protection: It fights off leaf-chewing insects, boring beetles, and devastating fungal diseases from the inside out.

✅ Eco-Friendly & Safe: There is zero chemical overspray, meaning it is completely safe for children, pets, and surrounding wildlife.

✅ Maximised Efficiency: The tree absorbs 100% of the treatment, making it highly effective, weather-proof, and long-lasting.

If your trees are looking a little stressed, losing leaves early, or showing signs of pest damage, it might be time for an expert check-up. Let’s give your canopy the boost it deserves! 🍃

Get in touch with our qualified arborists today to protect your landscape.

👉 www.OakValleyTC.co.uk

🌳 Caring for Young Trees: Heat and Watering Best Practices​Newly planted and young trees need extra care during warm, dr...
29/05/2026

🌳 Caring for Young Trees: Heat and Watering Best Practices

​Newly planted and young trees need extra care during warm, dry weather. Because their root systems are still shallow, they dry out much faster than mature, established trees.
​At Oak Valley Tree Consultancy, we want to help you protect your investment. Here is our expert guide to mastering summer tree hydration.

​💧 1. Prevent Root Rot and Dehydration
​It is all about balance. Knowing what is happening beneath the soil is key to keeping your tree alive:
​Over-watering (Root Rot): While trees need moisture, the soil must be allowed to drain. If a tree sits in constantly waterlogged soil, the roots are starved of oxygen. They will eventually suffocate and rot, turning soft, brown, and useless.
​Under-watering: If the top few inches of soil are dry and crumbly, your tree is thirsty. Prolonged drought causes the fine feeder roots to shrivel up and die, leading to overall tree decline.

​🧱 2. Proper Watering Technique and the "Soil Moat"
​The Method: Avoid a quick, daily sprinkle. Instead, use a slow-drip or soak method to ensure deep moisture pe*******on.
​The Goal: Aim for a good soak so the moisture reaches 20–30cm down into the soil around the root ball. For a young tree, give it roughly two to three large buckets of water distributed evenly across the week during dry spells.
​The "Soil Moat": Create a shallow ridge of soil around the base of the tree. This acts as a basin to hold the water pool, preventing it from running off before it can soak into the root zone. Check the soil moisture daily simply by inserting a finger into the earth.

​🍃 3. Avoid Leaf Scorch
​Where to apply water: Always apply water directly to the soil and the base of the tree, never over the foliage.
​The Science: During peak heat, avoid heavy watering over the leaves. Water droplets left on a leaf surface act like tiny magnifying lenses, concentrating the sunlight and severely scorching the foliage. Keeping the canopy dry also prevents fungal diseases.

​⏱️ 4. Optimal Timing: Beat the Heat
​When to water: Always water during the cooler hours of the day. Early morning is ideal, as it allows any accidental moisture on the leaves to dry naturally.

​The Alternative: Evening is the next best choice. Watering during these periods minimizes water loss from sun evaporation, allowing for maximum absorption by the root system.

​🔍 Need Expert Advice?
​Every garden has a unique soil profile and drainage capacity. If you are unsure whether your young trees are thriving or struggling, our certified arborists are here to help. We offer professional, tailored site assessments to design a custom watering plan perfectly suited to your landscape.

​Website: www.OakValleyTC.co.uk
​Email: [email protected]
​Telephone: 01837 759179

Address

Lower Oak Farm
Okehampton
EX203AS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441837759179

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