Recording tree related events

Some species of tree don't show much colour change before their leaves start to drop eg ash, sycamore. What should I do about recording first tint and full tint?

Don't worry, just record leaf fall and bare.

Do I record first tint when I see the first leaf changing colour?

In our experience you will rarely be able to be this specific. Just record when you see the tree as a whole begin to change colour.

Some individual trees and shrubs seem to change colour or flower way ahead of others around them. Which ones should I be recording?

You should avoid abnormally early plants e.g. a bluebell flowering in January or an oak changing colour in August. Record the trend-setting plants and trees that lead the way but are closely followed by others.

Trees seem to change leaf colour at different times in different locations, I find it very confusing, how would you recommend I go about it?

The best way is probably to record observations along a route that you travel daily, perhaps when you take your dog for a walk or when you drive to work. This should enable you to focus more on what's happening generally and avoid becoming confused by all the changes going on everywhere. Of course it may not allow you to record all the events on the form but that doesn't matter, all records are valuable and we welcome forms even with only one or two events filled in.

How do I know when berries are ripe, for example rowan, holly and hawthorn seem to have red berries from mid summer but does that mean they are ripe?

No, they need to be soft to the touch or beginning to drop. Unfortunately rowan berries often get eaten by birds before they are ripe.

Is there any way of finding out roughly when events are going to happen so that I can be ready for them?

Go to the 'View trends' area and select the country, species and event that you're interested in to find out when it happened in previous years.

I have a hawthorn tree in my garden, does it matter that I'm not sure if it's native?

Yes, it does. We only want records for those species that are actually on the form. If you're in doubt, check out our Species information, which has tips on identification, but if you are still not certain concentrate on recording other events.

There's a smashing wild cherry at the end of my garden, it's not on your list, is there any point in me keeping a record of it this spring, perhaps you could add it to the list next year?

We have selected the species on the form for a number of reasons. They may be well loved, easily identified, have a long archive of past records or seem to be responding rapidly to changes in climate. We may continue to add species in future years, but for the moment we would prefer you concentrate on recording those on the form. If, however, you have been recording other species for many years, then please continue and send in your past records for inclusion in the national database

When do I record leaf fall? Is it when the first leaf falls or when several leaves have gone?

Leaf fall tends to happen suddenly with change in temperature, frost or wind. Look for the trees that are trend-setters among their neighbours rather than being abnormally early and that show some bare branches and twigs. 

I walk regularly in a wood and find that the timing of events vary enormously, and so it’s confusing to record.

It may be easier to focus on the species you want to record that grow in a more open aspect. Make sure you avoid abnormally early plants e.g. a bluebell flowering in January or an oak changing colour in August. Record the trend-setting plants and trees that lead the way but are closely followed by others.