At CPM Trades, we support homeowners across Croydon, Bromley, and surrounding areas with year-round tree surgery and garden maintenance services. In this seasonal guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to prepare your garden for winter and ensure your trees and hedges stay healthy, safe, and looking their best.

1. Why Winter Garden Preparation Matters

Winter brings a unique set of challenges for outdoor spaces. Strong winds, frost, and heavy rainfall can all take their toll on trees and hedges that haven’t been properly maintained. Without timely care, issues such as broken branches, overgrowth, or poor drainage can lead to:

  • Safety hazards for people and property

  • Long-term damage to trees and shrubs

  • Restricted growth come spring

  • A scruffy or neglected appearance

The good news? Taking action now means a healthier, more manageable garden when spring returns – and far fewer problems over the colder months.

2. Inspect Trees for Signs of Weakness or Damage

Start by visually assessing all the trees in your garden. While many issues can be subtle, there are some clear warning signs to look out for before winter storms arrive:

  • Cracked or leaning branches

  • Dead or decaying wood

  • Split trunks or bark damage

  • Fungal growth (such as brackets or mushrooms)

  • Hollow-sounding sections or cavities

These issues can make trees unstable and prone to collapse in strong winds or snow. At CPM Trades, we offer professional tree inspections across South London, identifying risks and providing safe, effective pruning or removal where necessary.

3. Carry Out Pruning While Trees Are Dormant

Winter is actually one of the best times to prune trees and hedges. With the growing season on pause, the plant is under less stress – and bare branches make it easier to see the structure and shape you’re working with.

Key winter pruning tips include:

  • Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood

  • Cut back overhanging or crowded branches

  • Thin out the crown to allow better airflow

  • Avoid removing too much at once – this can weaken the tree

Whether you have mature oaks, ornamental cherry trees, or fast-growing conifers, our experienced tree surgeons in Bromley and Croydon can carry out pruning safely and correctly, ensuring your trees stay strong and healthy.

4. Tidy and Shape Overgrown Hedges

Hedges are easy to overlook in winter – especially evergreen varieties that seem to hold their shape. But now is the perfect time to carry out your final hedge trim of the year. This not only keeps your garden looking tidy but also prevents damage from wind and snow collecting on top-heavy growth.

Benefits of winter hedge trimming include:

  • Improved shape and structure

  • Fewer fallen leaves and branches to deal with

  • Encourages denser growth in spring

  • Helps maintain boundary lines between properties

At CPM Trades, we provide hedge cutting and shaping services for everything from small garden borders to large perimeter hedges.

5. Clear Fallen Leaves and Debris

While a crunchy layer of leaves may seem charming, too much can smother your lawn, encourage mould growth, and clog drains or flowerbeds. Fallen branches, fruit, and leaves can also harbour pests and diseases over winter.

Make time to:

  • Rake and compost fallen leaves

  • Remove broken or rotting branches

  • Clear around the base of trees and shrubs

  • Check drainage channels are free-flowing

Our garden clearance team can handle this for you if time is short, leaving your outdoor space neat and winter-ready.

6. Mulch and Protect Tree Bases

To help young or vulnerable trees through winter, apply a thick layer of mulch (such as bark or compost) around the base. This helps retain warmth, suppress weeds, and protect the root system from frost.

Take care not to pile mulch against the trunk – keep a clear gap of a few inches to avoid rot. You might also consider staking young or newly planted trees if they’re exposed to high winds.

We’re happy to advise on the best protective measures for your garden trees based on their age, type, and location.

7. Plan Ahead for Spring Planting or Landscaping

Winter isn’t just for maintenance – it’s a great time to plan improvements. Whether you’re thinking about planting new trees, reshaping borders, or starting a landscaping project, taking action now means you’re ready to go when the weather improves.

CPM Trades offers full garden and landscaping services, including tree planting, patio installation, fencing, and turfing. Let us help you design an outdoor space that works for you year-round.

Ready to Prepare Your Garden for Winter?

Don’t wait for the first frost or storm to cause damage. Proactive garden care now will protect your trees and hedges, keep your property safe, and give your garden the best chance to thrive when spring arrives.

Whether you need tree surgery, hedge trimming, pruning, or general garden maintenance, the friendly team at CPM Trades is ready to help.