62 Prince's Road, Wimbledon, Merton, SW19 8RB Data via plota.co.uk

Proposal

T1 – eucalyptus , approx. 16m high. Crown spread 8m east over the public highway and 4m north, south and west. Mature tree with a distinct lean towards the highway. Previously maintained as a low pollard at approx. 9m with a compact crown, but this regime has lapsed. Proposed works reduce height by approx. 7–8m, from 16m back to the previous pollard points at approx. 9m. Reduce laterals proportionally, with considerably less reduction to the north, south and west but back to the previous points. Reduce the eastern crown by approx. 5m to bring it back towards the previous pollard framework. Retain the main structural limbs and suitable growth points where possible to recreate a compact crown. Remove deadwood. **justification** the previous pollarding regime has lapsed, resulting in substantial regrowth extending well beyond the original reduction points. This is evident longer overextended limbs, with minimal growth anywhere but the outer canopy. Limited suitable reduction points remain between the previous pollard heads and the current outer growth, resulting in significant end loading on limbs with weaker attachment points. The tree's pronounced lean and overhanging growth, which reaches approx. 8m across the public highway, further increase the concern. In our view, the current size and form is no longer appropriate for its location. A lesser reduction would still leave considerable overextended growth and loading at the attachment points whilst not being an improvement visually. The proposal is therefore to return the tree to its previous pollard points. This will remove the excessive regrowth, reduce loading and recreate the compact form in which the tree was previously managed. The reduction is primarily in height, with considerably less lateral reduction elsewhere and approx. 5m removed from the eastern crown. We recognise that this is a substantial reduction, but consider it necessary as a one-off reset of the lapsed pollard. Once reset, the intention is to establish a regular 3–5 year lighter reduction cycle to prevent the current level of regrowth and loading developing again. Due to the lack of suitable anchor points within the lapsed pollard framework, a lesser specification would require a mewp. Given the tree's position over the highway, this would require a lane closure in addition to approx. Seven parking bay suspensions, creating considerable additional cost and logistical requirements while leaving much of the problematic growth in place. Data via plota.co.uk