There are these interesting trees that grow in Strasbourg. I wish that I knew exactly what kind of trees they are. It would make this post much more informative. But since I don't know, I will just describe them. They have gray bark that is scaly and sometimes peels off the trunk showing a lighter colored bark underneath. Their leaves are large, have jagged edges, and turn brownish yellow in the fall. That is the extent of my non-botanist observations. When the leaves come out this spring I will take more detailed notes.
Anyways, these trees get pruned back in Strasbourg. No sauvage (wild) trees around here. After trimming, the trees seem more like sculptures than plants. Last year I worried that they might not be able to bounce back after such treatment. Never fear, by May there will be lots of little green leaves.
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| The air was sharp with the smell of sap. |
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| I love the starkness of these sculptural beauties. |
P.S. Does anyone know what kind of trees these are?
Since originally writing this I have found out that these are sycamore trees that have undergone the process of pollarding. Thanks Mike, Amanda, and E. for the great information! Check out this interesting link that talks about pollarding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
I've seen this all over Europe too, and maybe you already have an answer. The limbs look like some sort of strange tumors, it's shockingly ugly and beautiful at the same time. Do they cut the brnaches off to keep the tree healthy? Do they cut the branches off because the wind just knocks them down? To keep the debris off the roads and sidewalks? I don't know. Interesting questions that I wish I could discuss with you in person over coffee or tea at a nearby cafe...
ReplyDeleteNow I am really wondering, as well! This study ( http://www.princes-foundation.org.uk/files/pfbe_strasbourg_report.pdf ) mentions them, but doesn't say what kind they are. Only talks about the 4 ginkgo biloba trees in the gardens. Very informative, nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteCan you believe it's nearly been a year since my visit? Wishing I could just blink my eyes and be there!
Aha!
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
E, thank you for researching for me. I really enjoyed reading the article about public transportation. Thank goodness for the ginko trees that kept the tram from running through the Place de la Republic. That would have been such a loss.
ReplyDeleteI loved the information about pollarding. How fascinating! Thank you!
I know... I can't believe it has been a year since you have been here. I was walking past the cathedral yesterday and the wind was fierce. It was just like during your visit. I didn't even have my hat with me. It is too bad that you can't be here in a blink of an eye. Although you shouldn't blink until it gets warmer. : )
Kate, I think that all of the reasons you listed are valid. They cut the trees on the tram line in aumtumn before the leaves have a chance to fall. I am sure this is to keep the tram lines from being clogged with dead leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to think about all the ways it helps to keep the trees in order. I agree with you, it would be great to discuss this plus all kinds of other things in person. You have an open invitation to come visit. I'd love to see you. It has been entirely too long since we have gotten together.