What Is Tree Pollarding and Why Is It Done?

What is tree pollarding?

Tree pollarding is a pruning technique used to manage the size and growth of certain trees.

Branches are cut back to established pollard points, from which new shoots subsequently develop. These shoots can then be removed again at suitable intervals as part of an ongoing management cycle.

Once a tree has been established as a pollard, maintaining that cycle can become an important part of its future management.

Why are trees pollarded?

One of the main reasons for pollarding is to control the overall size of a tree.

Some tree species can eventually become very large, which may cause problems where they grow close to houses, roads, boundaries, overhead services or other structures.

Pollarding can restrict the size of the crown while allowing the tree itself to remain.

It may also be used where a tree has historically been managed using this method and continued pollarding is considered appropriate.

Which trees can be pollarded?

Not every tree is suitable for pollarding.

Species traditionally associated with pollarding include willow, lime, plane and some poplars, although suitability depends on the individual tree, its age, condition and previous management.

The ability of a tree to respond successfully to substantial pruning varies considerably between species.

This is one reason why professional advice can be useful before deciding to pollard a tree that has never previously been managed in this way.

Is pollarding the same as topping a tree?

No. Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, proper pollarding is a planned tree management system.

Pollarding involves creating or returning to established pruning points and then managing the resulting regrowth over time.

Indiscriminate topping generally refers to cutting branches or the upper crown back without following an established pruning system.

Poorly considered heavy pruning can create large wounds, affect the natural structure of a tree and result in vigorous regrowth.

What happens after a tree is pollarded?

Many suitable trees respond to pollarding by producing vigorous new shoots around the pruning points.

This means pollarding should not be viewed as a one-off way of permanently making a tree smaller.

The new growth develops over subsequent years and will normally require future management.

The frequency of that work depends on the species, rate of growth, location of the tree and objectives of the management programme.

Does a pollarded tree grow back?

Yes. Regrowth is normally expected following successful pollarding of a suitable tree.

Some species can produce considerable amounts of new growth following pruning.

This is why a tree that has previously been pollarded can appear dramatically different only a few growing seasons later.

Allowing regrowth to become excessively large before returning to established pollard points can make future work more substantial, so maintaining an appropriate cycle can be important.

When is the best time to pollard a tree?

The appropriate timing depends on the species, condition of the tree and type of work required.

Many forms of significant tree pruning are undertaken during dormant periods, but there is no single rule that applies to every species.

Wildlife must also be considered. Active bird nests and other protected wildlife cannot simply be disturbed because tree work has been scheduled.

The individual tree and circumstances should therefore be considered before work begins.

Can an overgrown pollarded tree be cut back again?

In many cases, previously pollarded trees can be returned to their established pollard points.

However, the longer a tree has been left unmanaged, the larger and heavier its regrowth may become.

The condition of the old pollard points and the attachment of the newer growth may also need consideration.

For large or long-neglected pollards, it is sensible to assess the tree before deciding how much work should be completed.

Is pollarding good for a tree?

The answer depends on the tree.

For an appropriate species that has been established and maintained as a pollard, it can be a legitimate long-term management technique.

That does not mean every large tree should be pollarded.

Trees that have never previously been pollarded may be better suited to other forms of tree work, such as crown reduction, crown thinning or selective pruning.

The objective should be to choose work appropriate to the species, condition, location and existing structure of the tree rather than automatically applying the same technique to every tree.

Tree pollarding in Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Penkridge

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services carries out professional tree work throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.

We work on trees of many different sizes and can advise whether pollarding, crown reduction, pruning or another form of tree management is appropriate for the tree and location.

Need advice about an overgrown tree?

If you have a tree that has previously been pollarded, or you are considering reducing the size of a large tree, contact Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services to discuss the work and arrange a quotation.

You can also visit Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services to explore our tree surgery, hedge cutting and garden clearance services, or browse our Knowledge Centre for more practical guides about trees, hedges and garden management.