Driving through the towns on the island of São Miguel, you can’t help but notice the beautiful London Plane trees (Platanus x Acerifolia) that line the streets. I initially mistook them for maples because of their five-pointed leaves, but unlike maples, they don’t turn red in the fall. I’ve since learned they are cousins of the American sycamore, though they have more colorful bark.

One of the most striking things about these trees is the drastic pruning they undergo. In a process known as “pollarding,” the local authorities in the Azores cut back almost every branch in November. The trees remain bare throughout the winter, with only their thick trunks and a few stubs remaining. It’s only now, in the spring and early summer, that their new leaves are beginning to grow back, filling out their impressive canopies once again. This method, while initially shocking to an outsider, is a common practice for London Plane trees, which are known for their resilience and ability to recover.

On the country roads, you can also see some of these trees with a stunning yellow-orange bark that peels away to reveal lighter patches underneath. This natural process is a key characteristic of the species and contributes to their distinct beauty.

The London Plane tree is a popular choice for urban environments across Europe, and particularly in the Azores, because of its remarkable ability to withstand pollution and its tolerance for this type of intensive pruning. They are a resilient species that adds a touch of natural beauty and strength to the Azorean landscape.

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Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.