The tree in this Pontypridd garden stood right on the boundary fence. It had grown large, it overhung the neighbour's property, and it had become unstable, so it needed to come down.
Our photo was taken partway through. The main stem is thickly wrapped in ivy, the side limbs have already gone, and a climber is working at the very top of what is left, roped in and cutting the stem into short sections. Just below sits a timber outbuilding, with tall conifers in the next garden behind.
Working over two gardens at once
A tree on a shared boundary is awkward because anything that falls the wrong way lands on someone else's property. Here, the crown hung over next door, and there was a shed close to the base on our side. That ruled out felling it in one piece.
Instead, the tree was climbed and taken apart from the top down. The side limbs came off first, including those over next door, then the stem was reduced in short lengths. You can see the pale cut ends where sections have come off, each one small enough to control.
Heavy ivy growth can hide weak wood and adds a lot of weight high up, which adds to the strain on a tree that is already unstable. It also makes it harder to see the bark, so we take extra care checking the stem as we go.
Checks and clear-up
Before starting on any tree we go through the same general points. We are landscapers, not solicitors, so where there is a legal question we point people to their local council.
- whether the tree could be covered by a tree preservation order, or sit in a conservation area;
- whether any birds are nesting in it, as active nests are protected;
- talking to the neighbour when branches overhang their side, so they know what is happening;
- where the sections will be lowered and how the waste will leave the garden.
Nothing left behind
Once the tree was down, all the material went with us: timber, brash and the mass of ivy. Nothing was left for the owner or the neighbour to deal with.
Our tree surgery and hedge care page explains the kinds of tree work we carry out, and pruning and felling trees in Pontypridd covers the local picture. For gardens across the town, see our landscaping in Pontypridd page.
Questions About This Job
A tree next door overhangs my garden. What can I do?
It is usually best to talk to your neighbour first. Rules on cutting overhanging branches can be more complicated than people expect, so check with your local council or get proper advice if you are unsure, then we can quote for the work.
What are the signs a tree may be unstable?
Common warning signs include a new or worsening lean, cracks in the stem, lifting soil at the base, dead limbs and fungus growing on the trunk. If you notice any of these, have the tree looked at.
Should ivy be cleared off a tree?
Ivy is not always harmful, but a heavy covering adds weight and wind resistance and hides the condition of the bark. On a tree that is being kept, cutting the ivy at the base is often enough.
How do I arrange a visit?
Send us a few details and Tony and the team will come out and give you a free quote.
