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Tree Pollarding

What is Tree Pollarding? Pollarding is a term given to the process in which the main branch systems of trees are pruned heavily to short stubs. This promotes vigorous young re-growth from the stumpy branches and is often used in urban areas to reduce the crown size of old street trees.

Tree Health

Pollarding can be beneficial for the overall health of a tree. By removing the upper branches, pollarding encourages the growth of new shoots from the trunk, which can result in a denser and stronger canopy.

Pollarding can also help prevent the spread of diseases and pests by removing infected or infested branches before they can affect the rest of the tree.

The Process

The process of pollarding involves cutting back the branches of a tree to a specific point, known as the “pollard head”. This is usually done in the winter, when the tree is dormant, to minimize the stress on the tree. The pollard head is then allowed to grow new shoots, which will form the new branches of the tree.

Safety Considerations

Pollarding can also be beneficial for safety reasons. By removing the upper branches, pollarding can help prevent branches from falling and causing damage or injury. This is especially important in urban areas where trees are close to buildings, roads, or power lines.

Pollarding can also help prevent the growth of weak branches that could be susceptible to breaking in high winds or storms.

When is too much?

Over-pollarding can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and other problems. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional arborist before attempting to pollard a tree.

Summery

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FAQs about Pollarding Trees

Can pollarding kill a tree?

Pollarding, when performed correctly, typically does not kill a tree. When done improperly, such as cutting too much of the tree, it can lead to stress and potential decline, but when executed with care, it can benefit certain tree species by promoting new growth and extending their lifespan.

Is pollarding bad for trees?

Pollarding can be both beneficial and harmful to trees. When done correctly, it can help control the size and shape of a tree, promote new growth, and extend its lifespan. However, improper pollarding, such as cutting too much of the tree, can lead to stress, increased vulnerability to disease and decay, and potential decline.

Is pollarding good for trees?

When done correctly, pollarding can be good for trees. It can help control the size and shape of a tree, promote new growth, and extend its lifespan. However, improper pollarding can lead to stress, increased vulnerability to disease and decay, and potential decline.

What are the disadvantages of pollarding?

Disadvantages of pollarding include the potential for stress, increased vulnerability to disease and decay, and potential decline if not done correctly. Improper pollarding, such as cutting too much of the tree, can lead to these issues and harm the tree’s overall health.

How often should trees be pollarded?

Trees are typically pollarded every 1-3 years, depending on the species and desired outcome. This frequency allows for the promotion of new growth while maintaining the tree’s overall size and shape. However, the specific timing and frequency may vary based on the tree species and individual tree health.

What is the difference between coppicing and pollarding?

Coppicing involves cutting a tree or shrub at ground level to stimulate the growth of multiple new shoots. Pollarding, however, entails pruning at a higher point on the trunk to encourage the growth of new branches while maintaining the tree’s overall size and shape.

What’s the difference between topping and pollarding?

Topping involves indiscriminate cutting of branches, often leading to damage and decay. Pollarding, on the other hand, is a controlled pruning method where branches are removed at specific points, promoting new growth and maintaining the tree’s size and shape.

Hiring a Professional Tree Surgeon for Pollarding

Pollarding is a pruning technique aimed at maintaining trees and shrubs at a smaller size than their natural growth. Typically initiated when the plant reaches a specific height, annual pollarding helps limit the plant’s growth to that height.

It’s important to note that pollarding is not suitable for all tree species. Some trees may not respond well to this technique or may be more prone to disease or decay if pollarded.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a professional arborist or tree surgeon who can assess the tree’s suitability for pollarding and carry out the pruning process correctly.

Common Tree Species for Pollarding

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the autumn. Here are some common deciduous tree species that are suitable for pollarding:

Willow (Salix spp.): Willows are fast-growing trees that respond well to pollarding. They are often used for basketry, as their flexible branches can be woven into intricate shapes.
Oak (Quercus spp.): Oak trees can be pollarded to produce a dense, bushy growth. This can be useful for creating a windbreak or a screen.
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): Hornbeam is a popular tree for pollarding, as it produces a dense, leafy crown. It is often used for hedging.

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees are those that retain their leaves throughout the year. Here are some common evergreen tree species that are suitable for pollarding:

Holly (Ilex spp.): Holly trees can be pollarded to produce a dense, bushy growth. This can be useful for creating a privacy screen.
Yew (Taxus spp.): Yew trees can be pollarded to produce a dense, bushy growth. They are often used for topiary, as their foliage can be shaped into intricate forms.
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Bay laurel is a popular tree for pollarding, as it produces a dense, leafy crown. It is often used for hedging.