Households have been urged to prune their trees as soon as possible to prepare for winter. The Met Office has said that trees in the garden should be snipped back to prepare your home for winter as cold weather rolls across the country.

Weather forecasters have compiled a list of practical tips to help you get a good start in the chilly weather before it gets too cold. Pruning your trees has real benefits in the winter months in terms of general upkeep in your home.

Doing this can make sure there is no buildup of leaves in the guttering after they fall and get blown around.

The Met Office said: "This can also help with avoiding snow building up on the trees, which with it brings the risk of damage from broken branches."

Beyond this, the Met Office has a few other tips and tricks it advises people to follow before winter really kicks in. Here's a quick list of them:

• Have a plan for a powercut:You can get in touch with your Electricity Distribution Network Operator very easily these days by calling 105 and ask them what to do.
• Sort out insurance: Sometimes your property can be damaged by a falling tree or wayward bin being blown about. For that you need insurance so make sure its up to date and covers what you need.
• Secure garden furniture:When storms come about garden furniture can become a real danger to you and your property. Make sure they're secured down when high winds are forecasted.
• Check your roof: You dont want a leak or loose tiles ruining your winter. Also consider removing dead branches from surrounding trees
• Clear your gutters: Blocked gutters can mean rainfall gets backed up and leaks into your roof and sides of your house
• Insulate pipes against freezing: This can stop them from bursting and causing floods as well as saving you money on heating bills
• Check your flood risk: You can sign up for free flood warnings based on which country you're in online be it England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.