Pollarding

Pollarding is a management system for trees where the top of a tree, ideally young, is removed at a given height.  The resultant regrowth which grows as multiple stems/branches from the point of cutting must then be cut cyclically. The period between cuts varies by species from 3 years upwards.  Pollarding is not appropriate for all trees depending on species and age.

 

Pollarding is traditional management technique where produce such as fodder, poles or firewood could be harvested cyclically, once cut the regrowth is out the reach of grazing animals.  It has since been utilized in urban areas were many trees are maintained in such a way so they can be retainned but don't outgrow their surroundings.  Some of these trees date back hundreds of years, but the secret off their longevity is in being reapeatedly cut at the correct intervals.

 

Pollarding:

• Keeps tree a desired size

• Top of tree removed at pescribed height

• Regrowth cut cyclically (3yrs or more species and tree dependant)

• Not suitable for every tree