A Brief History of Tree Pollarding – By Expert Tree Surgeons
The pollarding process involves cutting back the main branches of a tree to the trunk or to main branch stubs, creating what we call a pollard head.
The earliest record of tree pollarding dates back all the way to 1BC during the Roman Empire, and the word itself stems from the Middle English word “pol” which means head.
Looking back through history, the reason pollarding was common in medieval Europe was to produce sustainable wood for fuel, fencing, and tools. It was also used to create fodder for livestock and control tree size in urban spaces.
These days, we use it for slightly different benefits.
It is used in urban forestry to manage tree size, prevent trees from obstructing buildings, power lines, or roads, and maintain tree health in areas with limited space.
While its uses may have changed, pollarding still plays an important role in caring for and preserving our trees. And it will surely be used for centuries to come!
What is Tree Pollarding Process
How to Pollard a Tree
To effectively pollard a tree, tree surgeons expertly prune all the upper branches, leaving a bare trunk with shortened stumps.
New shoots then grow from these cut points, forming a lovely, dense crown.
Depending on the species and growth rate, pollarding needs repeating every 1-3 years. After the initial process, new shoots are pruned just above the previous pollard points to maintain shape and encourage healthy regrowth.
Although it may sound simple, pollarding requires significant knowledge and skill to perform correctly. When carried out properly, it can rejuvenate trees and even extend their lifespan.
That is why, if you are considering pollarding a tree for the benefits, it is wise to seek professional help from certified tree surgeons.
Time for Pollarding
Both the age and the season matter for successful tree pollarding.
It is recommended to start tree pollarding when trees are young, typically around 3-5 years old.
The reason older trees struggle more with pollarding is that they are more vulnerable to stress. However, some mature trees can be pollarded if they are healthy and of a suitable species, but this always requires careful assessment.
The season also matters for pollarding.
It should be done in their dormant period (usually winter or early spring) to reduce stress on the tree and lower the risk of disease.
Tree Species for Pollarding
Not all trees are suitable for pollarding.
The best candidates are mainly deciduous trees that shed seasonally. These trees vigorously produce what we call epicormic shoots.
The most common species for pollarding:
- Willow (Salix)
- London plane (Platanus × hispanica)
- Lime (Tilia)
- Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
- Oak (Quercus)
- Ash (Fraxinus)
Most conifer trees and many slow-growing deciduous species simply won’t respond well to this treatment. This is because they struggle to regrow from their chopped wood.
Coppicing vs. Pollarding
It is a common mistake for people to confuse pollarding with coppicing as they both encourage vigorous regrowth. However, they serve different purposes in landscape management.
Coppicing involves cutting trees down to ground level to produce new shoots from the base, while pollarding cuts at 2-3 metres above ground to create a pollard head which controls the height of the main stem.
Benefits and Challenges of Tree Pollarding
Benefits of Pollarding
There are several key benefits to pollarding.
- Controls tree size
- Extends a tree’s lifespan
- Reduces branch weight and the risk of failure during storms
This means that tree pollarding can be perfect for areas with limited space, or for areas that experience extreme weather events and are close to property, people, and powerlines.
There’s an interesting ecological aspect too.
Pollarded trees can benefit wildlife by providing hollow stems for nests and dense foliage for shelter and pollen.
Negatives of Pollarding
However, it is important to note that there are negatives too.
Pollarded trees need regular ongoing maintenance and the work requires expertise to be done properly or the tree is at risk of damage.
This can be costly, however in areas that may be at risk of tree damage, the long-term cost benefits often outweigh the potential costs of repairs or property damage.
Secondly, the initial appearance after cutting can look quite stark until the tree outgrows, which may put people off. However, the new growth can restore a fuller and more attractive shape.
Contact GGM Landscaping for your Pollarding Needs
If you’re considering pollarding for your trees, GGM Landscaping in Scotland offers professional pollarding services with expert tree surgery and advice.
With over 40 years of experience, you can trust our team to determine whether your tree is suitable for pollarding and to carry out the job effectively and successfully.
If you need help with your tree maintenance or would like free advice or a quote, contact our friendly team today on 07946 322717.