Lovely trees on Vermont and Mount Road have had all their branches cut off and have been left as stumps. This is a huge shame as, while they needed a bit of pruning, they added to the greenery of the area. As I am relatively new to the area, can anyone tell me if this happens regualrly, with the rest of the tree growing back, or are the council being thugs?

That's such a shame, it could have been the council. I saw some trees being 'pruned' a few months ago in Sydenham, although they did leave more than just stumps! It's doubtful these will grow back :( Maybe you should contact the council and find out...

This practice of pruning trees in this way is called "Pollarding". You can also see examples of it in Croxted Road South. It is normal practice especially where branches would overhang the road and interfere with passing buses, lorries etc.

Hi Liz, 'Pollarding' is not the same as pruning. It makes perfect sense to cut back branches that overhang and obstruct traffic, but cutting a tree all the way down to the stump is not pruning, as there is no way the tree will ever grow back. This is completely unnecessary and in my opinion looks far worse. Trees are very important and there is simply no need to kill them just because they might be blocking a pathway! If I see the council attacking any of the trees where I live in this way, I will be having a serious word...