Topic: Pollarding sycamore

[Foxy Magic]

I have some immature sycamore trees at the edge of my plot which have been pollarded about 6 years ago. I would like to remove the very long offshoots (they are about 6 inches in diameter & about 12 feet in length).

Would it be the right time of year to do this ?
Any advice gratefully received !

[Robert_Brenchley]

Do it now. That's the problem with sycamore, it's really too strong-growing to use effectively in this way.

[Foxy Magic]

Thanks for that advice - I shall do it tomorrow.

[Hyacinth]

I agree with Robert. Never turn your back on a sycamore and don't be afraid of chopping them back now and praps again in the autumn - they really do put on a prodigious amount of growth :( 

[Foxy Magic]

Thanks !

They were there on the allotment when I got it & they are only there to stop the bank sliding into the river , otherwise I would get rid of them as I do think of sycamore as a bit of a weed.

There is a small benefit in them in that they produce leaves for leaf mould,but this is outweighed by the shade they cause.