Pollarding

Pollarding is a type of radical pruning that involves cutting off all the top branches of a tree. This technique is used in urban tree management when there is risk of a tree getting too close to a structure, or when the canopy is blocking too much light from surrounding areas.

While not a practice that should substitute for professional pruning, pollarding does have a role in tree management. And done properly, it will not have an adverse impact on a tree’s health.

How is pollarding done?

When pollarding a tree the branches are carefully cut back to a stub of a few inches. The process normally spurs the tree into a regrowth of more branches, which give pollarded trees a very distinctive look.

Pollarding is a very useful technique for a variety of reasons.It is commonly used in urban environments to prevent root invasion and control the overall size of the tree. Once a tree gets to a desired size then heavy pruning, leaving just a stump, will stunt further growth. It is important, however, that pollarding is done to a tree at the right time and then repeated every few years to maintain both the look and size.

The other traditional role of pollarding is to encourage fresh growth,  use as livestock feed and source of firewood.