This February we will be pollarding the lime trees on Dukes Avenue.

What is pollarding and why are we doing it? 

This work is vital to promote the safety of our visitors and the long-term health of these wonderful trees.    

Pollarding reduces the risk of falling branches by cutting back the main branches of a tree to short stubs where joints, or ‘knuckles’, have begun to weaken and older wood has begun to die back.  In addition to the safety aspect of the work, pollarding encourages stronger, healthier, juvenile growth, reducing the risk of disease and giving each tree the space to flourish. 

The lime tree avenue was laid out in 1821 by the Duke of Devonshire. Pollarding needs to be undertaken periodically on trees of this age and is just one aspect of our ongoing care of the wonderful collection of veteran trees across the gardens. 

Why healthy trees matter 

• Trees can reduce pollution by an incredible 50%. 
• Trees lock up carbon dioxide for centuries. Our limes have been doing that for nearly 200 years! 
• Trees are essential to urban biodiversity. Wildlife including moths, birds, bats, dormice, butterflies and fungi all depend on trees to feed, breed and thrive. 

You can help us care for these beautiful trees 

The first phase of this essential work will focus on two thirds of the limes, about ninety trees. However, we need to raise £6,900 to pollard the remaining thirty. With your help we can achieve this fundraising target, enabling us to complete the whole avenue.   

Make a Donation 

How will the tree works impact visitors?  

• Work will commence on Monday 19 February (weather allowing)  
• Work will start on the trees at the end of Dukes Avenue nearest the A4  
• A section of path will be open at all times for pedestrians 
• Vehicles will also have access, however there may be a wait of a minute or two for each vehicle to ensure safe passage.