The Art of Pollarding: A Guide to Pruning Trees

Pollarding is a technique that has been used for centuries to shape and maintain trees. It involves cutting the tree back to a certain point, allowing new growth to develop. Pollarding is done for various reasons, such as controlling the size of a tree or encouraging new growth. This technique can also be used to enhance the aesthetic value of a tree. Pollarding is a practice that requires skill and knowledge, as improper pruning can cause irreversible damage to the tree. So it's always best to hire a professional tree surgeon.

Benefits of Pollarding:

Pollarding is done for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Controlling Tree Size: Pollarding is often used to control the size of a tree. This technique is especially useful for trees that grow too large for their surroundings, such as trees in small gardens or in urban areas.
2. Encouraging New Growth: Pollarding stimulates new growth by removing the older branches. This method is used to encourage the tree to produce new growth that is more compact and attractive.
3. Enhancing Aesthetic Value: Pollarding can be used to enhance the aesthetic value of a tree. By shaping the tree, it can be made to look more pleasing to the eye, especially in formal gardens or public spaces.

When to Pollard

The best time to pollard a tree is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. During this time, the tree is not actively growing, which makes it easier to manage. Pollarding during the dormant season also allows the tree to heal before the growing season begins.

How to Pollard

Pollarding is a technique that requires skill and knowledge. Improper pruning can cause irreversible damage to the tree. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly pollard a tree:

1. Choose the Right Tree: Pollarding is not suitable for all tree species. It is best to choose a species that can handle this type of pruning, such as willow, oak, or London plane.
2. Determine the Height: Decide on the height at which you want to cut the tree. This will depend on the desired size and shape of the tree. For example, if you want to keep the tree at a specific height, mark this point on the trunk of the tree.
3. Cut the Tree: Using a pruning saw or lopper, make a clean cut just above the point that you have marked on the trunk. It is important to make a clean cut to avoid damaging the tree.
4. Manage New Growth: Once the tree has been cut back, new growth will start to develop. This growth needs to be managed to maintain the shape of the tree. Cut back new growth to just above the point where you made the previous cut.
5. Repeat the Process: Pollarding is a continuous process. You will need to repeat the process every few years to maintain the shape of the tree.

Summary

Pollarding is a traditional pruning technique that has been used for centuries to shape and manage trees. This method of pruning involves cutting back the tree to a certain point, allowing new growth to develop. Pollarding is done for various reasons, such as controlling the size of a tree or encouraging new growth. It is important to choose the right tree species and to carry out the pruning process