One of the things we found quite unusual in France is their method of trimming trees. Instead of just trimming a branch or two here or there to control the growth, they cut off all new growth from the tree. This allows a smaller section to grow each year, and the leaves to be very close together, providing dense shade in the hot summer.
Our second work team had the opportunity to join this French tradition of pollarding trees by trimming the four sycamore trees at the Van der Veers’ and Simply Church.
We spent three days trimming the four trees.
When they’re finished, the trees are statuesque winter sculptures that allow the yard to be warmed by the sunshine in the cooler months.
