Cardiff is a green city. Street trees line the roads, parks such as Bute Park and Roath Park give the place its character, and the big Victorian and Edwardian houses in the suburbs sit behind generous gardens full of mature trees and tall conifers. We prune those garden trees, shaping the crown, thinning the growth and taking out dead wood, so they stay healthy and sit well in the garden.
Some trees stand in conservation areas, and we are happy to talk through what the job involves. Tell us about the tree, its height and what bothers you about it, and we will explain what we would do and why.
In suburbs such as Llandaff, Whitchurch and Rhiwbina, a single mature tree can fill a whole back garden. Over time the crown spreads towards the house, drops heavy leaf litter on the gutters and shades the lawn for most of the year. A considered crown reduction brings the tree back into scale while keeping its character, rather than leaving a stump-like shape.
In Cardiff's older gardens we prune in stages where a tree is large, so we never remove more than it can cope with in one go. That protects its health and avoids a flush of weak, fast regrowth. Before we start, we point out which limbs we plan to shorten and which we will leave, so you know exactly what the tree will look like, and so your Cardiff garden does not end up with bare, lopsided branches.
Tall conifers are common in Cardiff gardens, and they are usually the trees that have got well ahead of the owner. They can be reduced, but only within the green growth, because they will not regrow from old bare wood. Cutting back to brown wood leaves a hole that does not fill, and in a smart suburban garden that gap is very obvious.
That is why we look at each conifer first, checking how much green growth is left. If a reasonable reduction will keep it tidy, we do that. If it has already grown too tall and bare to reshape, we say so. Other fast growers, such as ornamentals and fruit trees, can be thinned and shortened at the time of year that suits them, usually winter, so the cuts heal cleanly and the tree keeps its form.
Trees in some Cardiff conservation areas, or those with a preservation order, need the council's permission before they are pruned. Street trees are the council's responsibility and we do not touch them. If you are unsure, check first and tell us what you find. We clear all cuttings away. We also cover Llandaff, Penylan, St Mellons and Pontprennau.
A few jobs we have completed. We also work in and around Cardiff.
Tree PruningA selection of tree pruning jobs across Cardiff gardens, from a flowering tree and trimmed crowns to a tall clipped evergreen.
See the project →
Tree PruningCutting back a bushy evergreen from the ground beside a Bedwas patio, with a ladder ready against the wall for higher growth.
See the project →
Tree PruningCutting back a tree in a Blackwood front garden from a ladder, with the chipper beside the road taking the branches.
See the project →We work across South Wales. Pick your town to see how tree pruning works locally.
There is no single perfect month for every tree, but winter suits many species, and this guide shows how timing, nesting birds and weather affect the choice.
Read the guide →Tall conifers can often be reduced safely, but only back to living green growth, because most will never regrow from bare brown wood.
Read the guide →Regular pruning keeps trees safe, balanced and healthy, brings light back into gardens and buildings, and usually avoids the larger and more disruptive jobs that neglect leads to.
Read the guide →Often you do. Trees in conservation areas, and those covered by a preservation order, usually need consent from the council before pruning. Contact the council planning team first, then tell us what has been agreed and we will carry out the work accordingly.
There is no fixed rule. Many mature trees need a check every few years, while fast growers and fruit trees may want attention more often. A light, regular prune usually serves the tree better than a heavy cut after a long gap.
You can generally cut branches back to the boundary line, but the cuttings still belong to the tree owner, and you must not harm the tree. It is better to speak to the neighbour first. We can carry out the work properly with permission.
Tell us what needs doing and where. We will come back to you, or call 07766 919630 if it is urgent.