In late December, Parish Tree Surgery completed a complex pollarding operation on one of Wokingham’s most significant landmarks—the veteran oak standing beside St. Paul’s Church.
While the tree is a vital part of the town’s heritage, recent safety assessments identified it as a potential hazard to the main thoroughfare. To balance public safety with conservation, Simon Holmes and the Parish Tree Surgery team opted for pollarding—a traditional management technique that removes weight and wind resistance while encouraging structural rejuvenation.
This project was a significant undertaking, requiring a full road closure and precision work over the 27th and 28th of December. By blending modern safety standards with veteran tree care, we’ve ensured this oak remains a fixture of the landscape for years to come.
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Father Richard Lamey and the team at St. Paul’s for their persistence through the planning stages, and to Wokingham Borough Council for coordinating the necessary road closures to keep the public safe during the works.
