We’re now into winter and while the season feels like it’s been with us for a long time, we’re just a month into it!

The official start of winter begins in December and lasts until March.

However, the daylight is lasting slightly longer each day, the daffodil shoots are starting to show and the snowdrops are making an appearance.

We might have some winter storms to come so have a check of your trees before strong winds and driving rain take their toll.

We are looking forward to the spring, even if it’s for some sunshine and warmer temperatures!

If you’re out for a walk, take time to look at the trees around you, take a note of the buds on the end of twigs and branches, and know that spring is on its way!

A new year begins, a new decade dawns.

And with the natural environment hitting the headlines almost everyday, it’s time we looked after our trees.

Even if you don’t believe in New Year resolutions, if you have trees in your garden or at your place of work, then take time to check their health.

Have a look at branches and bark … are there any changes that concern you?

Have any branches become too large?

Here at Simon Hill Tree Surgeon, we can help keep your trees trim and help keep them healthy.

We would like to wish all our customers a merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Winter is here.

The trees are bare.

The trees in our area are now bereft of leaves and are sleeping, ready for spring.

The outlines of trees can help us identify them. Each species has its own shape.

And while we look forward to spring and the fresh green flowers and blossoms, winter has its own attractions.

Every twig and branch is visible.

Walk around your own streets and towns and spot the many different varieties in your area.

As the shortest day approaches, the sunshine grows cold and distant and our trees seem to be having a rest.

Autumn has passed its colourful peak and most of the leaves are now on the ground.

The colder weather is here and with it a dormant time of year.

The evergreens will hold onto their glossy leaves and there’ll be bright holly berries to see.

Nature seems to shut down and is waiting for spring.

If you have trees in your garden, then it’s time to keep an eye on them ready for the next growing season.

There’s no doubt about it … the rain keeps falling!

We do have a sunny day from time to time.

However, we are now at the time of year when the days are short and the nights are long.

Leaves are falling from the twigs, wearing all manner of autumnal colours.

The leaves fall to the ground and eventually melt into the soil.

Then the wintry shapes of the trees are revealed!

The shortest day isn’t too far off and that means one thing … spring is on it’s way!

In the meantime, it’s a great time of year to enjoy our trees as they take a nap during the darkest days of the year.

The time of year when the trees change colour and the leaves start to fall.

We’ve had some very wet weather and the ground is still quite damp. The trees are gradually shedding their summer coats and starting to put on their autumn ones.

This is probably the best time of year for tree fans as the leaves fall to the ground and they can be identified more easily.

This is also the time of year to check your branches to see if anything needs attention before the winter gales.

We never know what winter might have in store for us so it’s best to check your trees before the clocks go back.

With Yorkshire having a varied landscape, including beaches, forests, moors and lakes, there is also a huge variety of trees to suit each location.

The Yorkshire Coast has a variety of public parks and spaces in which the trees are one of the main attractions.

Take the Open Air Theatre, for example.

This venue is host to superstars of the music industry in the summer. During the rest of the year, while events are held there, the trees seem to come into their own.

They surround the boating lake and offer a haven for wildlife, flora and fauna.

The area is also great for gathering ones’ thought and chilling out for a few moments.

Our countryside is one of many contrasts and perhaps one of the most surprising ones is when trees grow just seconds from sandy beaches!

The image above is taken in Scarborough Old Town and just beyond the end of the cobbles lies the town’s historic harbour.

The salty air, the cool winds and the dusty sand would might be seen to put off the very thoughts of planting a tree.

However, these little group of trees are doing fine and have the shelter of surrounding buildings along with a sun trap to help them grow.

Just behind these trees is a set of step and a downward slope to the sea so there will also be a steady flow of water when the heavens open.

So why not keep a look out for similar little hidden treasures. There’ll be others near you!

So the summer is behind us and the autumn is here.

Colder nights, darker evening and the leaves change colour.

Yet some of trees in public spaces are keeping their green ‘coat’ for a little bit longer!

Here on the Yorkshire Coast, there are a number of lovely green areas with superb trees that are just starting to show the signs of autumn.

However, let’s enjoy the green leaves and lush grass while we can!