A Towering Eucalyptus That Needed a Trim

This week, we carried out a pollard on a large Eucalyptus tree at a home in Surbiton, which had grown well beyond its intended size. The tree was a beautiful feature of the garden but had started to overshadow the house and block out a lot of light.
Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing by nature, and if they’re not managed every few years, they can quickly become top-heavy and unstable — particularly in windy conditions. After inspecting the tree, we recommended a full pollard to reduce height, encourage fresh growth, and make it more manageable in the long term.

Why Pollarding Works for Eucalyptus Trees

Eucalyptus trees respond well to pollarding because they regenerate quickly and form strong new shoots from old growth points. This makes them ideal candidates for structured reduction when they become too large for domestic gardens.
In this case, the pollard would help:

• Control the tree’s height and spread

• Allow more sunlight into the garden and home

• Prevent branch failure in high winds

• Keep the tree healthy and stable for years to come


How We Carried Out the Work

We began the day with a full risk assessment and site setup, ensuring everything around the garden was protected. The Eucalyptus stood close to a boundary fence, so we used climbing ropes and lowering equipment to safely bring down larger sections without damaging anything below.
Working methodically from the top down, we reduced the tree back to its established pollard points — around 4 metres lower than its previous height. Every cut was made cleanly to promote strong, even regrowth.
Once the canopy was reshaped, the garden immediately felt brighter and more open.

Before & After

The before and after photos really show the difference. You can see how the Eucalyptus had grown tall and dense before we started, completely dominating the space. After the pollard, it looks neat, well-balanced, and ready for healthy new shoots next spring.
(Alt text for SEO: “Before and after Eucalyptus pollarding in Surbiton by Arborlife Tree Services”)

Looking After a Pollarded Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus should generally be re-pollarded every 3–5 years, depending on the species and location. This keeps the regrowth tight and manageable and prevents heavy limbs from forming again.
We’ve booked a follow-up inspection for this client in a couple of years’ time to check the regrowth and plan the next maintenance cycle.

A Happy Customer in Surbiton

Our customer was delighted with the transformation — more light, less wind movement, and peace of mind knowing the tree is now safe and secure. They were particularly impressed with how tidy the site was left afterwards (as always, we take pride in leaving every garden spotless).

Why Choose Arborlife Tree Services

• Fully certified & insured arborists

• Experienced in managing fast-growing trees like Eucalyptus

• Friendly, tidy, and professional service

• No VAT – saving you 20%

• Local experts covering Surbiton, Kingston, Cobham, Leatherhead & Surrey


If your Eucalyptus tree is getting too big for its space, we can help. Pollarding keeps trees healthy, safe, and under control without removing them entirely.
Call Declan on 07775 837893 or get in touch online.