RECENT PROJECTS ON TREE MAINTENANCE IN ST. WEONARDS

We provide reliable tree maintenance in St. Weonards at Ethan J Watkins Forest & Arb. From pruning to complete woodland management, we ensure safe and professional service. Explore our latest projects to see how we help keep trees healthy and landscapes well-maintained.

FULLY QUALIFIED

MANY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

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EXCELLENT CARE FOR YOUR TREES

Ethan J Watkins Forest & Arb offers professional tree maintenance across St. Weonards and nearby areas. We handle everything from tree pruning and felling to woodland restoration and land management. Our skilled team works safely and efficiently, ensuring trees are well cared for and outdoor spaces remain in good condition. Whether removing hazardous trees, thinning canopies, or restoring woodlands, we approach every job with care and professionalism. Browse our latest projects to see our work in action. Need help with tree maintenance? Reach out to us today.

OUR LATEST PROJECTS

6-Month Arboretum Restoration Project – Expert Tree Surgery & Landscaping in Herefordshire & Monmouthshire

Our team recently completed a six-month winter project restoring a beautiful 2.5-acre arboretum on the border of Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. This comprehensive tree surgery and landscape restoration project focused on selective thinning of semi-mature to mature trees, including standout species such as Acers, Pines, Cedars, London Planes, Poplars, Weeping Beeches, and Eucalyptus. The goal was to enhance the visual structure of the arboretum by identifying and retaining key specimen feature trees to frame the garden and provide them the space and light they need to thrive. Our expert team improved both the aesthetic appeal and long-term ecological health of the site. With limited site access, all tree arisings were processed on-site. We repurposed woodchip to create natural garden pathways, and stacked timber into wildlife-friendly habitat piles or set it aside for the client’s use as sustainable firewood. To complete the restoration, we stump-ground over 50 medium to large stumps, leaving a clean, level canvas ideal for future garden landscaping and replanting. If you’re looking for professional tree surgery, stump grinding, or landscaping services in Herefordshire or Monmouthshire, our experienced team is ready to help bring your vision to life.

VETERAN ASH DISMANTLE (ST. WEONARDS)

Work involved dismantling a diseased veteran Ash tree affected by Ash Dieback and Ganoderma.
The tree had been previously poorly pruned, making it hazardous over a greenhouse and seating area.
Timber was moved and cross-cut into firewood for the client’s convenience.
The stump was fully ground out, allowing the client to re-landscape.

MATURE POPLAR POLLARDING

An avenue of mature Poplars, pollarded over 20 years ago, was successfully re-pollarded to encourage regrowth.
Pollarding helps retain trees within their surroundings while managing canopy growth.
The team completed the work within five days, chipping all arisings on-site for reuse.
Timber was stacked in the paddock for firewood processing.
Tracking mats were used to protect the lawn from machinery movements.

WOODLAND SAFETY WORKS (CHEPSTOW)

Safety works included felling, monolith/pollarding, and re-coppicing to reduce risks near a public footpath and Chepstow Comprehensive School.
Most trees had extensive Ash Dieback; others were structurally unsound due to angled growth.
Mature coppice stools were re-coppiced to prevent failure.
Ivy around tree trunks was severed to aid future inspections.
Work was carried out for Wessex Woodland Management and Archenfield Tree Services.

WOODLAND RESTORATION (ST. WEONARDS)

Restoration using the ‘continuous cover’ woodland management technique.
The method involves breaking up the woodland age structure by felling poor specimens and restocking with British hardwoods.
Over the decades, this will enhance the age structure and biodiversity for future generations.

WOODLAND RESTORATION (ST. WEONARDS & GARWAY) - UPDATE

Restoration involved clearing windblown trees, failed coppices, and pioneering species.
Replaced with a mix of British hardwoods and small coupes of softwood for game cover and hardwood competition.
The next phase includes five years of weed suppression and restocking any failed saplings.

CONSERVATION NEWS AND TREE HEALTH

Ash dieback is a severe fungal disease expected to kill 80% of the UK’s ash trees, threatening biodiversity and costing billions. It spreads through airborne spores, weakening trees over time. While most infections occur in the Southeast, cases are found nationwide. Some ash trees may be developing resistance, offering hope for the future. To help prevent its spread, clean your shoes before visiting woodlands, avoid taking plant cuttings, and wash vehicle wheels regularly.

“Ethan was invaluable and professional in carrying out some tree felling and pruning work in my garden and left the site completely cleared. I can heartily recommend him.”

- Lynda C.