Three large conifers had outgrown a back garden in Pontypool. Like many fast-growing conifers, they had shot up far above the fence line, and the inner foliage had turned brown and bare, which is typical once these trees get too big for the space.
In our photo, taken on a bright blue day, one of the trees has already been stripped of its branches, leaving a tall, bare stem. Beside it stands another conifer still in full growth, and at the base one of the team is at work among a pile of cut logs, next to the panel fence.
Order of work
Each conifer went through the same steps. Doing it in this order keeps the work controlled and the garden safe:
- Branches off. The side branches were cut away first, so what was left was a clean, bare stem that is easier to handle.
- Height reduced from the top. The stem was then brought down from the top in sections, rather than felled in one go into a small garden.
- Stumps removed. Once the stems were low, the stumps were removed so the ground could be used again.
- Debris cleared. Logs, brash and needles were all taken away, leaving the garden tidy.
Why tall conifers are hard to live with
Conifers make a quick screen when young, but many of them never stop growing. Left alone, they block light from gardens and windows, drop needles into gutters and borders, and draw a lot of moisture out of the soil nearby. Most will not regrow from old, brown wood, so once the lower foliage dies back, cutting them down to a tidy hedge is rarely possible.
Removing the stumps as well as the trees is what makes the space usable. With the roots out, the area can be levelled for a lawn, a patio or a new border, or planted with a slower-growing hedge.
Checks we make, and further reading
As general practice we ask whether trees could be protected by a tree preservation order or sit in a conservation area, and we look for nesting birds before cutting. We are not solicitors, so if there is any doubt we suggest the owner checks with the local council first.
Our tree surgery and hedge care page covers felling, reductions and hedge work, and tree felling and pruning in Pontypool gardens looks at local trees. For a winter hedge job in the same town, see this hedge and shrub work, or read about local gardens on our landscaping in Pontypool page.
Questions About This Job
Can a tall conifer just be cut down to a lower height?
It can be reduced, but most conifers will not sprout again from bare brown wood, so a heavily topped tree often looks poor afterwards. That is why many owners decide to remove them completely.
Do you remove the stumps too?
We can. On this job the stumps were taken out so the ground could be reused. Let us know what you want the space for and we will suggest the right approach.
What happens to all the wood?
All the logs, branches and needles are cleared and taken away, unless you would like some logs left for the fire.
How do I get a price for conifer removal?
Get in touch with a photo and a rough idea of how many trees there are. Tony and the team will visit and give you a free quote.
