Pollarding is the annual maintenance of a tree, to preserve the specific size and shape. This involves cutting back foliage to just the main trunk and maybe a couple of branches. A pollarded tree is more commonly known as a ‘pollard’.

A pollard is a tree that has its crown structure removed, leaving only a trunk and occasionally few stubs. This helps aid the tree to generate new fresh shoots and ultimately a new branch structure. Once pollarded, trees will appear to have bulbous stems, which house the new growth. Pollarded trees are therefore, generally easy to spot. There may be swollen stubby branches at the top of the trunk and multiple new side and top shoots growing.

Pollarding is best conducted on young trees as young trees respond rapidly to wounding, therefore reducing the risk of decay. Initially the tree is grown to the desired height and branch framework. Then branches can be allowed to grow from there.

Once pollarding of a tree has been started, it is important to continue the cycle of regularly cutting it. The branches will grow at different angles than normal, and can be weaker where crowded together. Whilst having a tree pollarded regularly may be expensive, a lapsed pollard tree (one that has not continued its cycle of pollarding) may require future surgery to remove larger tree parts or branches at a greater height.

What Kind of Tree Can Be Pollarded?

Willow, Lime, Sweet Chestnut and Poplar trees generally respond well to a major re-pollarding operations (that lapsed pollards may require). Sycamore, Oak, Ash and Hornbeam are likely to survive but this likelihood is increased if precautions are followed. However, re-pollarding Beech should be avoided where possible. For example: Willow trees have approximately a 95% survival rate, whereas Beech trees rarely survive the procedure.

Trees that line roads are often pollarded to allow extra light through. Pollarding trees is common as it allows new growth (making) the tree look more attractive. Pollarded trees may also live to a greater age than those that have not been pollarded; this is mainly due to being maintained in a partially juvenile state. Some Oaks have lived for over a thousand years because of pollarding.

Historically pollarding was a way of preserving trees for use as timber by preventing foliage from being eaten by animals. New branches would be cut on a cycle of 5-10 years depending upon the size of branches required. By growing the new stems at the top of a 2-3m trunk (instead of close to the ground as coppice), the new shoots could be kept out of reach of foraging livestock.

Douglas Fir Tree Care are able to advise and help with your tree problems, for your free consultation or advice please feel free to contact by email

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