Our story

Established in 1984 by two friends who shared a love for trees and nature, Cardiff Treescapes began as they turned their passion into a profession. Now it has become a family business and we’re passing the skills and enjoyment of working with trees and the outdoors down to younger generations.

Cardiff Treescapes began from a love of all things arboreal and today our business is still centred around the desire to preserve trees and help them thrive. But sometimes the removal of trees and shrubs is also necessary, and we’re committed to doing this safely, precisely and effectively. Treating them with care and respect, we have built a skilled tree service business that puts the customer (and their trees) at the heart of what we do.

Taking great pride and joy in our work, we have over 34 years of professional experience in all aspects of tree surgery and site clearance. Operating throughout South Wales, we are committed to safety and ongoing professional development in arboricultural skills. Our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team, combined with our cost-efficient approach, have happily led to many recommendations and long-term customers.

With years spent helping customers in South Wales with their aboricultural needs, we are proud to have become the trusted tree service provider to homeowners, local authorities, schools, hospitals, universities and other public and private organisations.

If you would like our advice or a free quotation, please get in touch.

Our people

Paul Owens
– Owner

Experienced arborist Paul completed his HND in Horticulture and Arboriculture in 2000, studying modules in applied tree biology, arboricultural practices and dendrology. Once qualified, Paul joined the business in an official capacity and has been running the contracting division since 2007.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Paul has a great head for heights and is often found up a tree. Climbing for over 15 years, Paul’s qualifications include an NPTC certification in aerial tree works and ground operations. With safety paramount for Cardiff Treescapes, Paul is also a trained first aider. And when he’s not delivering arboricultural services (and thankfully, very rarely required first aid), Paul carries out most of the domestic and commercial quotes.

Paul likes to spend his spare time with his wife and two young daughters, who keep him on his toes with their speedy out of control scooting and relentless trampolining. Naturally, Paul is a big fan of the outdoors and his hobbies include deep sea fishing and kayaking. When possible, he loves to enjoy these on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast.

Barry Robinson
– Lead Climber and Team Supervisor

Highly accomplished and with almost 20 years of experience, Barry joined the company in 2014. Providing essential support, Barry helps supervise and is involved with the daily running of the business when Paul is unavailable or offsite. Often having a bird’s eye view of operations, Barry is a highly skilled arborist and holds an NPTC certification in Climbing and Aerial Rescue. He is also certified in chainsaw operations and specialises in large reductions and dismantles.

With a hands-on approach Barry is very happy to give advice and share his knowledge and experience, and he will often be your main point of contact on site.

When he’s not working Barry is keeping his young daughter busy with trips to the local farm or travelling further afield to a variety of zoos and animal sanctuaries.

Mr G.M. Ayres
BSc (Hons) M. Arbor A. NDArb

QUALIFICATIONS

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences & Environmental studies

Diploma in Biological Sciences
Surrey County Diploma in Arboriculture 1981 – Merrist Wood College
Ordinary National Diploma in Arboriculture – 1981 Merrist Wood College, Surrey
M.Arbor A Professional membership of The Arboricultural Association

CAREER SUMMARY

Gareth Ayres began his career with trees in 1977 with Cardiff City Council Parks Department, mainly tackling the ravages of Dutch elm disease. As part of the OND course he spent a year in Denmark for the Scandinavian Institute of Trees and Shrubs, gaining practical experience as a trainee arborist. Following the completion of the college course, he gained a wide practical knowledge of all aspects of commercial arboriculture. He worked as a craftsman arborist for Nivela Services Ltd working in Denmark , Norway and Sweden.

In 1983 he joined Cardiff City Council’s Tree Department gaining the post of chargehand arborist. In 1984 he went into partnership with Tom Seymour and formed Cardiff Treescapes. The business quickly gained a reputation for excellence and became Arboricultural Association approved contactors in 1987. Through practical experience, continual professional development and further academic qualifications, Gareth has now gained a reputation as a consulting arborist. He was a founder member of the South Wales Branch of the Arboricultural Association and served on the committee for 3 years.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Tree hazard risk assessments for tree owners
Mortgage and Insurance reports to assess the influence of trees on buildings Pre-development site surveys and arboricultural implication studies
Tree management reports to prioritise maintenance programs
Tree related insurance claims
Diagnosis of tree disorders
General arboricultural advice

CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Some recent courses attended:
Picus (Sonic tomography) Master class - Kew Gardens 2016
Tree science day Cardiff University 2016 Prof. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University, supported by PhD Students Emma Gilmartin and Sarah Johnston, the roles of fungi in death and decay of trees and also their crucial roles in feeding and protecting trees from pathogens
Transformational nature (Kew Gardens) – secrets of natural form, plant intelligence and the ageing process. Covering tree architecture Sensory information and communication. Adaptation, life change and process. Francis Halle, Stefan Mancuso, Howard Thomas, Monica Gagliano, Neville Fay
AA Western Branch seminar at Ashton Court led by Prof. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University, supported by PhD students Emma Gilmartin and Sarah Johnston, illustrating roles of fungi in death and decay of trees, and also their crucial roles in feeding and protecting trees from pathogens.
Seminar Prof. Dr Claus Mattheck VTA update.
A new branch attachment model starting from Alex Shigo’s model
A new unpredictable lateral grain failure mode of branches which look absolutely safe
Possible symptoms for the new failure mode and related risks of misinterpretation
Relationship between topping, root decay and branch failure due to lateral grain
Slenderness failures of lion-tail branches versus failures due to vigour and compactness – the unbelievable comes true!
The life-long fight between branch and trunk
Conclusions for decay propagation from trunk to branch and vice versa
Truth and lies in the body language of the ‘Chinese moustache’ (branch bark ridge) – common errors May 2014
Seminar Prof. Dr Claus Mattheck VTA update
The current state of VTA and related failure criteria including the t/R debate. Thinking tools after nature, Crown mechanics, Root mechanics and graftings. May 2012• Seminar Prof. Dr Claus Mattheck VTA update, Shear square method, tensile triangles & force cones. Sac fungi. Age determination of perennial fungal fruiting bodies. How broadleaf trees fight spiral cracks & the biomechanical similarities between the hazard beam crack and spiral crack. May 2010.
Management of veteran trees in historic gardens (N.Fay & T. Green) Nov 2008
Seminar XII TEP Trees, Roots, Fungi, Soil Nov. 2008
Picus masterclass July 2008
Mattheck VTA update May 2008
Seminar IX TEP Fungal Decay Process & Applied Engineering Nov. 2007
Seminar V11 TEP Tree Morphology 2 June 2007
Seminar VI TEP The future of Tree risk management September 2006
Seminar V TEP Tree morphology March 2006
Decay Detection Master class (Picus Sonic Tomograph) May 2005
Principles of Tree Risk Assesment & Management Silwood Park 2002
Principles of Tree Risk Assessment – July 2002
Tree Mechanics with Dr Claus Mattheck – 2002
Biology of Decay in Trees – Hatfield Forest – November 2001
Trees and the Law Leicester Racecourse 2001
Modern Arboriculture – a system approach to practical tree care – Dr Alex Shigo - 1992

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Arboricultural Association

Mr T.A.SEYMOUR
BA.(Hons) M.Arbor A.

QUALIFICATIONS

BA (Hons) Human geography & Environmental studies
Diploma in Environment and Geography
Surrey County Diploma in Arboriculture 1981 – Merrist Wood College
Ordinary National Diploma in Arboriculture – 1981 Merrist Wood College, Surrey
M.Arbor A Professional membership of The Arboricultural Association

CAREER SUMMARY

Tom Seymour began his career in horticulture in 1977 with the renowned plant nursery Hilliers of Romsey Hants where he undertook an apprenticeship, learning about the care and propagation of amenity trees and shrubs. As part of the OND course he spent a year in Ealing London working for the local authority gaining practical experience as a trainee arborist, and in other sections of the arboricultural department. Following the completion of the college course, he gained a wide practical knowledge of all aspects of commercial arboriculture.

In 1981 he joined Cardiff City Council’s Tree Department gaining the post of chargehand arborist. In 1984 he went into partnership with Gareth Ayres and formed Cardiff Treescapes. The business quickly gained a reputation for excellence and became Arboricultural Association approved contactors in 1987. Through practical experience, continual professional development and further academic qualifications, Tom has now gained a reputation as a consulting arborist. He was a founder member of the South Wales Branch of the Arboricultural Association and served on the committee for 3 years.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Tree hazard risk assessments for tree owners
Mortgage and Insurance reports to assess the influence of trees on buildings Pre-development site surveys and arboricultural implication studies
Tree management reports to prioritise maintenance programs
Tree related insurance claims
Diagnosis of tree disorders
General arboricultural advice

CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Some recent courses attended:

Picus (Sonic tomography) Master class - Kew Gardens 2016
Tree science day Cardiff University 2016 Prof. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University, supported by PhD Students Emma Gilmartin and Sarah Johnston, the roles of fungi in death and decay of trees and also their crucial roles in feeding and protecting trees from pathogens
Transformational nature (Kew Gardens) – secrets of natural form, plant intelligence and the ageing process. Covering tree architecture Sensory information and communication. Adaptation, life change and process. Francis Halle, Stefan Mancuso, Howard Thomas, Monica Gagliano, Neville Fay
AA Western Branch seminar at Ashton Court led by Prof. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University, supported by PhD students Emma Gilmartin and Sarah Johnston, illustrating roles of fungi in death and decay of trees, and also their crucial roles in feeding and protecting trees from pathogens.
Seminar Prof. Dr Claus Mattheck VTA update.
A new branch attachment model starting from Alex Shigo’s model
A new unpredictable lateral grain failure mode of branches which look absolutely safe
Possible symptoms for the new failure mode and related risks of misinterpretation
Relationship between topping, root decay and branch failure due to lateral grain
Slenderness failures of lion-tail branches versus failures due to vigour and compactness – the unbelievable comes true!
The life-long fight between branch and trunk
Conclusions for decay propagation from trunk to branch and vice versa
Truth and lies in the body language of the ‘Chinese moustache’ (branch bark ridge) – common errors May 2014
Seminar Prof. Dr Claus Mattheck VTA update, Shear square method, tensile triangles & force cones. Sac fungi. Age determination of perennial fungal fruiting bodies. How broadleaf trees fight spiral cracks & the biomechanical similarities between the hazard beam crack and spiral crack. May 2010.
Management of veteran trees in historic gardens (N.Fay & T. Green) Nov 2008
Seminar XII TEP Trees, Roots, Fungi, Soil Nov. 2008
Picus masterclass July 2008
Mattheck VTA update May 2008
Seminar IX TEP Fungal Decay Process & Applied Engineering Nov. 2007
Seminar V11 TEP Tree Morphology 2 June 2007
Seminar VI TEP The future of Tree risk management September 2006
Seminar V TEP Tree morphology March 2006
Decay Detection Master class (Picus Sonic Tomograph) May 2005
Principles of Tree Risk Assessment & Management Silwood Park 2002
Principles of Tree Risk Assessment – July 2002
Tree Mechanics with Dr Claus Mattheck – 2002
Biology of Decay in Trees – Hatfield Forest – November 2001
Trees and the Law Leicester Racecourse 2001
Modern Arboriculture – a system approach to practical tree care – Dr Alex Shigo – 1992

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Arboricultural Association

Accreditation and qualifications

Involving dangerous machinery and often working at height, tree surgery is a highly skilled and often hazardous profession. So it’s reassuring to know the experience, accreditations and qualifications of your tree service specialists. We recognise that it’s not only important to know how to care for trees but how to do this safely. Because of this Cardiff Treescapes is dedicated to working to the safest standards.

All of our staff are fully qualified and receive up to date training in order to have the right expertise to investigate tree health, understand any problems and make suitable recommendations. Our qualifications also include how to safely and effectively carry out any tree surgery tasks required.

Our staff qualifications include the following NPTC Units:

CS30 Maintain & Operate the Chainsaw & Basic Cross-Cutting
CS31 Fell and process small trees
CS38 Climb a tree conduct aerial rescue
CS39 Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness
CS32 Felling medium trees
CS40 Carry out pruning operations
CS41 Carry out dismantling operations
City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of a Mobile Elevated Work Platform

‘First Aid at Work’

Chipper operations
Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations
Training for dormice and protected species in arboriculture
Brush cutter operations
Thorough examination of arboricultural equipment

All permanent members of staff also hold a Professional Tree Inspection Certificate

Our health and safety

Having the highest health and safety standards is essential in a profession like tree surgery, where the risk of injury can be high. Because of our strict adherence to guidelines, constant attention to detail, full staff training and qualifications to industry standards, we have an excellent health and safety record. To make sure that this is always the case, we comply with all relevant Health and Safety industry legislation and all of our arboricultural work is carried out to the current BS3998:2010 standard.

To ensure our performance of safe tree care on a customer’s property, we carry out a full risk assessment prior to starting any work. Cardiff Treescapes also operates a program of continual monitoring and improvement for all work procedures.

Because safety is paramount, our employees are fully trained in all tasks that they perform, to the NPTC standard or beyond. And for your complete peace of mind we are comprehensively insured for Public Liability up to a limit of £5 million and we are also insured for Employee Liability.

Health and safety, and other qualifications:

SMAS health and safety accreditation
Construction line health and safety accreditation

Cardiff Treescapes comply with the following legislation:

All AFAG/ FISA Safety Guidelines
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992

LOLER: Regulations Paul to confirm

PUWER 98: Paul to confirm

RIDDOR: Paul to confirm

Areas covered

We work across all of south Wales and the west, and in other areas on request. We’re always happy to discuss any project whether it’s domestic or on a commercial scale, so do get in touch and find out how we can help.

If you would like our advice or a free quotation, please get in touch.

Our story