What do they look like fully clothed?

[Magwood]

When I walked the camino Frances in April/May this year I was delighted to see these (plane?) trees all along the route. They are trained to join branches, I presume to provide shade in the summer. They give such character to the village and city squares. However during my walk they were naked and I would love to see some images of them fully clothed, and any information about the tradition of these trees. This photo was taken in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Thanks to all contributors in advance.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

Hmmmmm. Nekid trees. That's a new one for me!! I seem to have never seen one...Hee Hee... J/K

 

[jmcorrigan]

You can see trees like that throughout Europe. It's called pollarding in English. It keeps the tree at a predetermined height and fosters dense foliage for shade during the summer months.

I call them tortured trees.

 

[StuartM]

It also means you can harvest wood without killing the tree. I guess that's probably where it originated but it is a big part of civic landscaping in France and Spain particularly. I always think they look very atmospheric in winter.

 

[MendiWalker]

Here´s a link where you can see then "dressed" http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/1b/93/98/paseo-del-espolon.jpg

Buen Camino!

 

[KinkyOne]

@Magwood

You're right, those are plane trees. Here are some pics of them from different locations on CF (Pamplona, Navarrete, Sto.Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos and Molinaseca). Enjoy

 

[Icacos]

Thank you, Magwood for your OP. I, too, wondered about these trees, as they were all naked when I did the Frances in April and May. But I never thought to ask about them on this forum.

 

[Magwood]

Thanks KinkyOne, I certainly did enjoy your photos, and recognise several locations. Thanks for taking the trouble......Maggie

 

[Magwood]

Here´s a link where you can see then "dressed" http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/1b/93/98/paseo-del-espolon.jpg

Buen Camino!

Many thanks MendiWalker - don't they look lovely.....Maggie

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

I have seen trees trimmed like that somewhere in the USA but I just cant remember where. Maybe NC. Still not sure....

 

[peregrina2000]

And if you see them in June or July, the branches spread out and establish a perfect canopy over the walkway. I am not a gardener, but on several different Caminos, peregrinos have told me that this practice is a travesty, bad for the tree, but I never quite understood why since they look so healthy and provide such a public service by shading the walkways.

 

[Deleted member 22638]

peregrinos have told me that this practice is a travesty, bad for the tree, but I never quite understood why since they look so healthy and provide such a public service by shading the walkways.

I think they are an immensely practical and beautiful solution but if not pollarded the trees grow into mighty trees which have a wonderful beauty all of their own -