At DTG Trees & Grounds, we help clients across Dawlish, Exeter, Torbay, and the wider Devon area manage their trees and green spaces with safety, sustainability, and professionalism in mind.

As ARB Approved Contractors and SafeContractor Accredited professionals, we’ve worked on everything from small domestic gardens to large commercial sites — and we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t).

In this post, we’re sharing 5 practical, proven tips that will help you keep your trees healthy, your grounds safe, and your property looking its best all year round.

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1. Book a Professional Tree Survey 📋

A tree survey isn’t just something you do when applying for planning permission. It’s a vital part of responsible tree ownership, especially in areas like Devon, where tree stock is a valuable part of the landscape.

Tree surveys assess:

• The structural stability of your trees
• Signs of disease, decay, or damage
• Risks to buildings, footpaths, or utilities
• Legal considerations (e.g. Tree Preservation Orders, conservation areas)

At DTG Trees & Grounds, our surveys are carried out in-house by a qualified Professional Tree Inspector (PTI). Whether you’re a homeowner concerned about safety or a developer in need of a BS5837 tree report, we provide clear, detailed assessments with practical next steps.

Regular tree surveys are especially important before winter, after storms, or if trees are near public access points. Don’t wait until there’s an issue — get ahead with a proactive approach.

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2. Prune Before the Storms Arrive 🌬️

Late autumn is the perfect time for tree pruning — especially ahead of winter weather. Strong winds and heavy rain can exploit weak branches, poor structure, or overcrowded canopies.

Our tree surgery team regularly carries out:

• Crown reductions to reduce height and weight
• Deadwood removal to prevent falling limbs
• Formative pruning for younger trees
• Pollarding or heavier pruning where appropriate

Good pruning improves tree health, balances shape, and reduces the risk of branch failure. It also ensures your tree’s energy goes toward strong, healthy growth in spring.

If you’re in Exeter, Teignmouth, Dawlish, or Newton Abbot, we’re now booking autumn/winter pruning slots.

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3. Don’t Neglect Hedge Maintenance ✂️

Hedges are often overlooked in grounds care routines — but they play a vital role in boundary definition, property aesthetics, and even wildlife habitats.

We recommend at least two hedge cuts per year for most species, though some formal hedges (like box or beech) may benefit from more frequent shaping.

Benefits of regular hedge cutting include:

• Preventing overgrowth into neighbouring land or roads
• Reducing wind loading and storm-related collapse
• Keeping paths, gates, and sightlines clear
• Supporting healthy, dense regrowth

We offer hedge cutting services across Torbay, Dawlish, and Exeter, including reductions, reshaping, and full removals. And of course, all green waste is chipped and either removed or recycled locally.

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4. Check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) 📑

Before carrying out any tree work, especially in built-up or conservation areas, it’s essential to check whether your trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or lie within a designated conservation area.

Carrying out unauthorised work on a protected tree can result in heavy fines. At DTG Trees & Grounds, we regularly assist clients in:

• Checking TPO status with local authorities
• Applying for permission for pruning or removal
• Producing supporting tree reports or method statements

Our tree consultancy division works closely with local councils across Devon, so if you’re unsure, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure all work is carried out lawfully and in line with best practice.

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5. Recycle Your Waste Where Possible 🌱

Sustainability is a big part of how we operate at DTG Trees & Grounds. As a company working in nature every day, we’re committed to reducing waste and supporting local reuse wherever possible.

Here’s how we do it:

• Woodchip from hedge and tree work is often donated to local allotments, parks, or farms (like Clennon Valley Allotments in Paignton).
• Logs from tree removals are often left with clients for firewood or processed for mulch.
• All non-reusable green waste is disposed of in line with local environmental regulations.

By choosing a contractor who recycles and reuses, you’re making a small but meaningful contribution to your local ecosystem — and reducing landfill at the same time.

Why Choose DTG Trees & Grounds?

We’re proud to be one of the leading names in tree care and grounds maintenance in Devon, with a team of qualified professionals, modern equipment, and a commitment to great customer service.

Clients choose us because we’re:

• ✅ ARB Approved – independently assessed and accredited
• ✅ SafeContractor Certified – with a strong focus on H&S
• ✅ Locally trusted – with dozens of 5-star reviews
• ✅ Responsive and professional – whether it’s a small job or a large contract

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re based in Dawlish, Exeter, Torquay, Newton Abbot, or anywhere in Devon, and you’re looking for expert tree advice, hedge cutting, or grounds maintenance, get in touch today.

📞 Call now for a free, no-obligation quote
🌐 Visit our website to learn more about our services
📍 Covering domestic and commercial work across South Devon