Sudden branch drop

Summer is the perfect time for woodland walks but with the dry weather we’ve been having, it’s worth being aware of a natural but little-known risk: branch drop.

After long periods of heat or drought, trees can become stressed and may shed large limbs without warning, especially during sudden changes in weather.

Branch drop is more likely after:

• Hot, dry spells when trees are dehydrated
• Sudden temperature drops such as cool days after a period of hot weather
• Heavy rain after drought
• periods of high wind or other extreme/unseasonal weather events

Signs to watch for:

• Dead or dying limbs
• Large cracks and splits in the bark
• Oozing sap and dark spots
• Leaning or unusual growth
• Visible root damage

We regularly monitor tree health across our sites, but if you notice anything unusual while out and about, please contact us at feedback@hiwwt.org.uk or let a member of staff know.