Trees are a big part of what makes Aberdare feel green. The Cynon Valley sides are wooded in many places, Dare Valley Country Park is close by, and plenty of the larger older houses in the town have trees that were planted generations ago. That is lovely to look at, but a tree that has been left to its own devices for decades can take over a garden, block the light and worry the people living under it.
This guide covers the tree and hedge problems we see most in Aberdare gardens, the kinds of work that solve them, and the checks worth making before anything is cut. Our main tree surgery and hedge care page explains the service in full.
Common tree problems in the town
The questions we are asked tend to fall into a few groups, and they often follow the type of property.
- Too much shade. A mature tree in a larger garden, or a neighbour's tree overhanging a narrow terrace plot, can leave a lawn mossy and a patio green all year.
- Self-seeded trees in the wrong place. Sycamore and ash seed freely on valley banks and grow fast. A sapling nobody noticed can be a sizeable tree within a few years, often right against a wall or path.
- Conifer hedges that got away. On newer estates, a fast-growing boundary hedge planted for privacy can end up far taller and wider than anyone intended.
- Worries about wind. Valley-side gardens catch strong gusts, and people understandably want a big tree near the house checked over.
Pruning options explained simply
Most trees do not need to come down. There are several ways to reduce the problem while keeping the tree.
Crown lifting removes lower branches so there is more headroom and light under the tree, which is often all a shaded Aberdare lawn needs. Crown thinning takes out selected branches through the canopy so more light and wind pass through without changing the overall shape. Crown reduction brings the height and spread down, which suits a tree that has simply outgrown its space.
Deadwood removal takes out dead and weak branches that could fall. For a fuller explanation of each method, see our guide on crown lifting, thinning and reduction.
When a tree has to go
Sometimes felling is the right answer: a tree that is dead or dying, one that is damaging a wall or foundations, a self-seeded sycamore growing out of a retaining wall, or a tree far too big for a small terrace garden. Ash trees affected by ash dieback are another reason people across the valleys are having to make difficult decisions.
On a tight Aberdare plot, felling is rarely a case of dropping the tree in one go. It is usually taken down in sections, with branches lowered carefully so walls, sheds, greenhouses and neighbouring gardens are not damaged. The stump can be left, ground out, or cut low depending on what you plan to do with the space.
If you are weighing up whether to prune or remove, our guide to tree felling or pruning goes through the questions to ask.
Hedges: height, width and timing
A well-kept hedge is a softer boundary than a fence, and it copes with valley wind by filtering it rather than blocking it. The trouble starts when a hedge is left for a few years. Conifers in particular do not regrow from old brown wood, so a leylandii hedge that is cut back too hard can be left bare.
We trim hedges back to a sensible size and shape, slightly narrower at the top than the bottom so light reaches the lower growth. For hedges that have gone too far, a staged reduction over two seasons is sometimes kinder than one drastic cut. Our guide on how often and when to trim a hedge has more detail.
Checks before any cutting
Trees can be protected by a tree preservation order, and trees in a conservation area usually need notice given to the council before work. Aberdare has older areas where this may apply, so it is always worth checking with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council before major pruning or felling. We will point out anything that looks like it needs checking.
Nesting birds are protected, so we look for active nests before cutting and plan hedge work around the nesting season where possible. For overhanging branches from a neighbour's tree, it is best to talk to them first. Our general guide on whether you need permission to cut down a tree sets out the main points, though it is not legal advice.
Getting the timber and brash away
A lot of Aberdare houses have limited access, with only a rear lane or a passage through the house to reach the back garden. We plan how branches and logs will come out before we start, and we take the green waste away rather than leaving it stacked in the corner. If you would like to keep some logs, just say.
Tree work is often the first step in a bigger change. Once the light is back, a lawn can be relaid or a patio moved into the sun. Our guides on preparing the ground for turf in Aberdare and clearing a neglected Aberdare garden are good next reads.
Arranging a visit
The cost of tree work depends on the size and condition of the tree, how close it is to buildings and boundaries, access, how much material needs removing and whether the stump needs grinding. We explain all of that when we come to look.
See our tree surgery in Aberdare page for more on the local service, or our landscaping in Aberdare page for the wider picture. You can send us a message to arrange a free quote.
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Questions People Ask
Can you cut back branches that overhang from next door?
Generally you can cut overhanging branches back to the boundary, but the tree still belongs to your neighbour, so it is best to talk to them first. Check the tree is not protected before any work.
What is the best time of year for tree work in Aberdare?
Many trees are pruned in late autumn and winter when they are dormant and birds are not nesting. Some species are better cut at other times, and urgent safety work can be done whenever it is needed. Our guide on when trees should be pruned explains more.
Will crown lifting help my mossy lawn?
It often helps a lot, because it lets more light and air reach the grass. On heavy, wet Aberdare ground, the lawn may also need aeration or better drainage to recover fully.
Do you grind out stumps?
Yes, where a stump needs removing for a new lawn, patio or bed. If nothing is going over the spot, a stump can sometimes be cut low and left.
Is a big tree near my house dangerous?
Not necessarily. Many large trees are perfectly healthy. If you are worried about dead branches, a lean, cracks or fungus at the base, have it looked at. Serious concerns may need a formal assessment.