Trees are an important feature of any garden or outdoor space, providing shade, privacy and natural beauty. However, as trees grow, they can sometimes become too large for their surroundings or require specialist maintenance to manage their size and shape.

One tree surgery technique used to manage certain trees is known as pollarding. Although it is a common method of tree management, many homeowners are unsure what it involves, why it is carried out or whether it is suitable for their trees.

At Mint and Swift Tree Surgeons Ltd, we provide professional tree surgery services throughout Hertfordshire and North London. With over 30 years of experience, our team can help you understand the best ways to maintain your trees and keep them healthy.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about tree pollarding, including its benefits, how it works and when it may be the right option for your garden.

What Is Tree Pollarding?

Tree pollarding is a tree management technique that involves cutting back the upper branches of a tree to a framework of established stems or previous pollarding points.

Unlike general pruning, which usually involves selectively removing branches to maintain the tree's natural shape, pollarding creates a more controlled structure that can be maintained through regular cutting.

Once a tree has been pollarded, new shoots develop from the pollarding points. These shoots are then managed through repeat pruning to maintain the desired size and shape.

Pollarding is often used in urban areas, gardens and streets where trees need to be kept within a particular space.

It is important to understand that pollarding is not suitable for every tree. The technique needs to be carefully planned and carried out by an experienced tree surgeon to avoid unnecessary damage.

Why Is Tree Pollarding Carried Out?

There are several reasons why a tree may benefit from pollarding, particularly when it is growing in a restricted space or needs ongoing size management.

Some of the main reasons include:

1. Managing Tree Size

Pollarding can help control the height and spread of suitable trees, making it easier to manage their growth in gardens and other restricted spaces.

2. Improving Light Levels

Large tree canopies can sometimes block natural sunlight from reaching homes, gardens and surrounding areas. Pollarding can reduce the canopy and allow more light through.

3. Managing Trees in Urban Areas

Trees planted close to roads, buildings and pathways may need regular management to prevent them from outgrowing their surroundings.

4. Maintaining a Consistent Shape

For trees that have already been pollarded, regular maintenance helps preserve their established structure and encourages new growth from the pollarding points.

5. Managing Certain Safety Concerns

In some situations, pollarding may form part of a longer-term tree management plan. However, it should not be viewed as a solution for every structurally weak or dangerous tree.

Which Trees Can Be Pollarded?

Not every tree responds well to pollarding. Some species are better suited to the technique because they can tolerate the repeated removal of branches and produce suitable regrowth.

Common examples of trees that may be suitable for pollarding include:

• Willow: Often responds well to pollarding and can produce vigorous new shoots.
• London Plane: Frequently pollarded in urban environments to manage its size.
• Lime: Commonly managed through pollarding, particularly in formal landscapes and streets.
• Poplar: Certain varieties can respond well to this technique when managed correctly.
• Ash: Some ash trees have historically been pollarded, although tree health and disease risks must be considered before work is undertaken.

The suitability of a tree will depend on its species, age, health and previous management.

Pollarding is generally most successful when started while a tree is young and maintained consistently throughout its life. Attempting to pollard a mature tree that has never been managed in this way can cause significant damage.

This is why it is important to seek advice from an experienced tree surgeon before deciding whether pollarding is appropriate.

What Is the Difference Between Pollarding and Crown Reduction?

Pollarding and crown reduction are both tree surgery techniques used to manage the size of trees, but they work in very different ways.

Tree Pollarding

Pollarding involves cutting back branches to established points to create a framework from which new shoots grow. The process is repeated regularly to maintain the tree's structure and size.

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction involves selectively reducing the height and spread of a tree's canopy while maintaining its natural shape. Branches are cut back to suitable growth points rather than being cut back to pollarding points.

The main difference is that pollarding creates a specific framework for repeated regrowth, whereas crown reduction aims to retain the tree's natural appearance.

The right technique will depend on the species, condition and location of the tree, as well as what you want to achieve.

How Often Should a Tree Be Pollarded?

Pollarded trees require ongoing maintenance to keep their shape and prevent excessive growth.

The frequency of pollarding will depend on the tree species, its growth rate and the management objectives.

As a general guide, established pollarded trees may need to be cut back every one to five years. Faster-growing species may require more frequent attention, while slower-growing trees may need less.

It is important not to leave pollarded trees unmanaged for too long, as large quantities of new growth can develop and become increasingly difficult to manage.

Regular inspections by a professional tree surgeon can help establish an appropriate maintenance schedule for your trees.

Can Pollarding Damage a Tree?

When carried out correctly on a suitable tree, pollarding is an established tree management technique. However, incorrect pollarding or carrying it out on an unsuitable tree can cause serious problems.

Potential issues include:

• Stress to the tree: Removing too much of the canopy can affect the tree's ability to produce energy.
• Poor regrowth: Not all species respond well to heavy pruning.
• Decay: Large pruning wounds can create opportunities for decay organisms to enter the tree.
• Structural problems: Poorly managed regrowth can sometimes create weak or poorly attached shoots.
• Loss of natural appearance: Pollarding significantly changes the tree's shape and should be carefully considered before work begins.

It is also important to avoid topping trees unnecessarily. Topping involves indiscriminately cutting back branches without regard for suitable growth points and is not the same as professional pollarding.

A qualified tree surgeon will assess the tree before recommending any work.

When Is the Best Time to Pollard a Tree?

The best time to pollard a tree will depend on its species, condition and individual requirements.

Many trees are traditionally pollarded during their dormant season, usually between late autumn and early spring. During this period, trees are generally not actively growing, which can make it a suitable time for certain types of pruning.

However, timing is not the same for every species, and factors such as flowering, nesting birds and protected wildlife must also be considered.

Before arranging pollarding, it is always worth seeking professional advice to establish the most appropriate time for the work.

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