Today the ProArb Tree Services team carried out a large tree maintenance project at St George’s Primary School and Church in Stockport, where we completed the re-pollarding of 38 mature lime trees lining the roadway beside the church grounds.
These trees had previously been pollarded many years ago, and our task was to return them back to their previous pruning points. This form of maintenance helps keep the trees healthy, maintains their structural integrity, and ensures they remain suitable for their surroundings.
Careful Planning in a Conservation Area
Because the trees are located within a designated Conservation Area in Stockport, all work required the correct permissions before we could begin.
The ProArb team handled the full planning process, ensuring that the necessary applications were submitted and approved by Stockport Council before any work started. Working in protected areas requires careful planning and professional arboricultural knowledge to ensure both legal compliance and responsible tree management.
What Is Pollarding?
Pollarding is a specialist pruning technique used on certain tree species, including lime trees, to control their size while encouraging strong new growth.
The process involves cutting the tree back to its established pollard points, allowing new shoots to grow from the same location each cycle.
Benefits of pollarding include:
- Maintaining tree size in urban environments
- Reducing risk of heavy limbs
- Encouraging healthy regrowth
- Preserving traditional tree management methods
- Extending the lifespan of mature trees
This method is particularly common along roadsides, schools, parks and historic sites, where large trees must be safely maintained within a controlled space.
Managing a Large Tree Line
This project involved 38 lime trees positioned along both sides of the road, creating a well-known avenue beside the church and school buildings.
The ProArb team worked methodically along the line of trees, ensuring each one was carefully pruned back to the original pollarding points while maintaining consistent structure across the avenue.
Throughout the job we:
- Installed traffic management cones to keep the area safe
- Used professional climbing and access equipment
- Removed and processed branches efficiently
- Cleared all debris from the roadway and surrounding areas
Our team ensured the site was left clean, safe, and tidy once the work was complete.
Specialist Equipment & Professional Teamwork
Large pollarding projects require the right equipment and an experienced team working together efficiently.
On this job we utilised:
- Professional arborist climbing equipment
- Pole saws and chainsaws for controlled pruning
- Leaf blowers and clearing equipment for site cleanup
- Our ProArb work vehicle for transporting and removing waste
Every step of the work was carried out in accordance with industry safety standards and best arboricultural practices.
Preserving the Character of the Area
The lime trees surrounding St George’s Church and Primary School form an important part of the local streetscape.
By returning the trees to their established pollarding points, the work helps preserve the distinctive avenue appearance while ensuring the trees remain safe and manageable.
Pollarding also encourages strong regrowth that will form the next cycle of growth for the coming years.
Need Expert Tree Care?
If you require professional tree surgery in Stockport, the ProArb team is ready to help.
From routine pruning and maintenance to specialist tree management projects, we provide expert advice and high quality workmanship on every job.
Contact ProArb Tree Services today to arrange a quote or discuss your tree care requirements.
