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