Retaining Eight Landmark Poplars Through Specialist Pollarding

Westhall, Suffolk | Trees over 100 feet tall | 33-metre tracked access platform

The aim was to preserve a much-loved line of mature white poplars while reducing the risk of large branches breaking out, particularly ahead of the autumn and winter storms. Rather than remove the trees, we retained the main stems to encourage new epicormic shoots and future crown development.

The towering poplars and the specialist tracked access platform during the work, showing the scale of the job.

Before and during work: mature poplars beside the barn, with their height and proximity to buildings clearly visible.

Why pollarding was the right approach

Eight white poplars at this Westhall property had grown to over 100 feet tall. Large branches had begun snapping out, raising concerns about what could happen as stronger seasonal winds arrived.

The owner valued the established line of trees and wanted to retain its visual effect. We had previously carried out similar work on poplars at the front of the property, which had recovered well and developed attractive new growth.

Based on that experience, the agreed approach was to pollard the eight trees, leaving tall standing stems to produce epicormic regrowth. Future growth will need monitoring and appropriate ongoing management.

Specialist access for a challenging site

Our own 22-metre cherry picker was too small for trees of this height, so we hired a 33-metre tracked access platform for the week. It provided the extra height, reach and manoeuvrability needed to carry out controlled dismantling.

Careful dismantling around valuable features

Several trees overhung a large timber-clad barn. A valuable sculpture, fixed into a concrete base beneath some of the poplars, also had to be protected.

Our team worked methodically in sections, using controlled lowering where required to keep timber away from sensitive areas. The tracked platform helped make the work safer and more manageable.

Power shutdown arranged in advance

At one end of the site, a high-voltage power line and transformer added another significant constraint. We coordinated with UK Power Networks and arranged a full power shutdown before working on the trees nearest the electrical equipment. The shutdown and cooperation with the engineers went smoothly.

Working high in the crowns, with the barn immediately below and carefully managed cut sections.

Eight trees retained for future regrowth

The pollarding operation nearing completion: a line of retained poplar stems beside the barn

The finished line of retained stems, ready to respond with new epicormic growth.

The work was completed within the planned week, with the buildings and site features protected and safety central to the operation. By retaining the poplars rather than felling them, the owner can continue to enjoy the established line of trees as they regenerate.