What Is Tree Pollarding and Why Is It Done?

What Does Pollarding a Tree Mean?

Pollarding involves removing branches back to predetermined points on the tree and subsequently managing the regrowth from those same areas.

After pruning, numerous new shoots can develop around the established pollard points.

These shoots are then periodically removed as part of an ongoing maintenance cycle.

This means pollarding should usually be considered a long-term tree management system rather than a one-off pruning operation.

Why Are Trees Pollarded?

Pollarding can be carried out for several reasons.

These can include:

• Controlling the overall size of suitable trees

• Managing trees growing within restricted spaces

• Maintaining clearance from nearby structures

• Managing vigorous regrowth

• Continuing an established historic pruning regime

• Keeping certain trees at manageable dimensions

• Managing trees in streets, gardens and other restricted locations

Once a tree has been established as a pollard, regular future maintenance is normally important.

Is Pollarding the Same as Topping?

No.

Although the finished appearance can sometimes cause confusion, properly managed pollarding and indiscriminate tree topping are not the same thing.

Pollarding is a planned pruning system where a tree is repeatedly managed back to established pruning points.

Topping generally refers to indiscriminately cutting major stems or branches without sufficient consideration for suitable pruning points, future structure or long-term management.

Pollarding should therefore form part of a planned maintenance regime rather than simply cutting the top from a tree because it has become too large.

Is Pollarding the Same as Crown Reduction?

No.

A crown reduction shortens branches throughout the canopy while attempting to retain a smaller version of the tree's natural crown.

A pollard has branches repeatedly removed back to established pollard points, creating a very different structure and appearance.

For many garden trees where a modest reduction in height or spread is required, crown reduction may be more appropriate than pollarding.

What Trees Can Be Pollarded?

Some tree species respond to pollarding better than others.

Trees commonly associated with pollarding include certain:

• Willows

• Limes

• Planes

• Poplars

However, suitability depends on considerably more than species alone.

The age, condition, structure, previous pruning history and location of the individual tree should all be considered.

A mature tree that has never previously been pollarded should not automatically be heavily cut simply because the owner wants it made smaller.

When Should Pollarding Start?

Traditional pollarding is generally most successfully established while trees are relatively young.

Starting early allows a tree to develop around the intended pruning points and enables those points to be maintained during future cycles.

Trying to create a pollard from a large mature tree can involve making substantial wounds and may not be appropriate.

This is why it is important to distinguish between establishing a genuine pollard and simply heavily cutting back a mature tree.

How Often Does a Pollarded Tree Need Cutting?

There is no single maintenance interval suitable for every pollarded tree.

The appropriate cycle depends on factors including:

• Species

• Growth rate

• Location

• Age

• Previous management

• Size of regrowth

• Reason for pollarding

Some trees produce vigorous shoots and require relatively frequent management.

Allowing an established pollard to grow for many years without maintenance can result in increasingly large branches developing from the old pollard points.

Why Is Regular Pollard Maintenance Important?

Once a pollarding regime has been established, continuing that management can be important.

New shoots can grow quickly and become substantial branches over time.

The longer they are left, the larger and heavier they become.

Regular management helps maintain the tree within the dimensions originally intended and avoids unnecessarily large pruning cuts during future work.

Can Pollarding Keep a Tree Small?

Pollarding can help control the dimensions of suitable trees, but it doesn't stop them growing.

Pollarded trees can produce vigorous new shoots following pruning.

The size of the tree is therefore controlled through repeated management rather than permanently stopping growth.

Anyone considering pollarding should understand that future maintenance will normally be required.

Will a Pollarded Tree Grow Back?

Yes.

Producing new growth is an important part of the pollarding process.

Following pruning, suitable trees can produce numerous new shoots around the established pollard points.

These shoots form the new crown until the next maintenance cycle.

The speed and amount of regrowth varies considerably between species and individual trees.

Should an Old Pollarded Tree Be Pollarded Again?

If a tree has previously been managed as a pollard, continuing an appropriate maintenance regime may be advisable.

However, trees that have been neglected for many years can develop large branches from old pollard points.

In these situations, simply removing everything without first considering the tree's condition and structure may not be appropriate.

The tree should be assessed before deciding how to resume its management.

What About Tree Preservation Orders?

Before carrying out work, it is important to establish whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a conservation area.

Protected trees may require consent or formal notification before pruning takes place.

If the status of a tree is uncertain, this should be checked with the relevant local planning authority before work begins.

Is Pollarding Right for My Tree?

Not necessarily.

Pollarding can be an excellent management technique for suitable trees, particularly where the regime was established correctly and has subsequently been maintained.

But it shouldn't automatically be recommended simply because a tree has become large.

Depending on the tree and the customer's objective, alternatives may include:

• Crown reduction

• Crown raising

• Selective pruning

• Deadwood removal

• Leaving the tree untouched

• Tree removal where genuinely appropriate

The correct option depends on the individual tree.

Professional Tree Pollarding

Good tree management starts with deciding what work is actually necessary.

At Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services, we assess the species, size, condition, location and previous management of a tree before recommending an appropriate approach.

With 39 years of industry experience, we provide professional tree surgery and practical advice throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.

Need Advice About Pollarding a Tree?

Whether you have an established pollarded tree requiring maintenance or a large tree that has become difficult to manage, we can advise on the most appropriate approach.

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services provides professional tree pruning and tree surgery throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.

Contact us to discuss your tree and the work required.

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