Tree pollarding

Pollarding is generally the removal of all smaller branches and shoots.

Traditionally, the practice of pollarding has been used to harvest wood for fence posts, or for fuel, and new shoots were used as fodder for livestock.  More recently, it is generally carried out to maintain the health of a tree and preventing them from growing out of control, maintaining weight or balance, or restricting root growth. In some cases, pollarding might be necessary to stop trees from blocking overhead wires or street lighting.

Pollarding is done every few years in most species, but there are some trees that are best treated annually, and although it can be done at any time of the year, we usually recommend that the ideal time is between February and April.