What is Tree Pollarding?
Tree pollarding is a pruning technique in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. This practice is typically done when the tree is young and then maintained regularly throughout the tree’s life.
Pollarding is used for controlling the size and shape of trees, particularly in urban environments, to prevent them from outgrowing their space, interfering with overhead wires, or blocking light.
Tree Removal: Key Points
Purpose
Size Control: Pollarding is often used to control the size of a tree, especially in urban areas where space is limited. It keeps trees from growing too tall or wide, making them more suitable for streets, parks, and gardens.
Aesthetics: The technique can create a uniform, distinctive shape that is valued in certain types of formal landscaping. Regular pollarding produces a characteristic dense crown of foliage at the top of a bare trunk.
Safety: By regularly removing upper branches, pollarding reduces the risk of large branches breaking off during storms, which is particularly important in populated areas.
Vegetation Management: In some cases, pollarding is used to prevent trees from shading crops or other vegetation that requires more sunlight.
Technique
Initial Pollarding: The process begins when the tree is young, typically when it has reached a desired height. The main branches are cut back to the same height, leaving stubs that will produce new growth.
Regular Maintenance: Once the tree has been pollarded, it requires regular maintenance, typically every 1 to 5 years, depending on the species and growth rate. New shoots that grow from the pollarded points are removed to maintain the desired shape and size.
Regrowth: After the initial pollarding, the tree will produce numerous new shoots from the cut points. These shoots are then selectively pruned during subsequent pollardings to maintain the structure.
Timing
Pollarding is usually done during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) before the tree starts to grow in the spring. This minimizes stress on the tree and allows it to recover more quickly.
Regular pollarding should be continued throughout the life of the tree. If maintenance is stopped, the tree may develop weakly attached branches that are prone to breaking.
Considerations
Tree Species: Not all trees are suitable for pollarding. Species commonly pollarded include linden (lime), plane, oak, willow, and some fruit trees. Trees that respond well to pollarding typically have a good ability to produce new shoots after cutting.
Long-Term Commitment: Pollarding is a long-term commitment. Once started, it needs to be continued regularly; otherwise, the tree can become unsafe or lose its shape.
Impact on Tree Health: If not done correctly, pollarding can stress the tree, making it more susceptible to disease or decay. Proper technique and timing are crucial to maintaining the tree’s health.
Pollarding is particularly suitable for trees in urban environments where space is limited and there is a need to manage tree size and shape. It is also used in traditional landscapes where the distinctive appearance of pollarded trees is desired.
In summary, tree pollarding is a specialized pruning technique that controls the size and shape of trees, especially in urban settings. It requires regular maintenance and careful execution but can create a distinctive and controlled landscape feature while also providing practical benefits like safety and space management.
