Tree pollarding is a method of maintaining trees by cutting back the branches to a stub-like form, often at a height that is reachable for maintenance purposes. This practice is done to keep trees at a desired size, reduce damage to buildings, and promote sustainable growth.
One of the key benefits of tree pollarding is that it allows trees to be managed in urban areas, where space is often limited. By reducing the size of the crown, trees can be planted in gardens and parks without causing problems for neighbouring buildings.
Tree pollarding works best during the winter months, as the trees are dormant and cutting back the branches does not have a negative effect on their growth. This makes it an ideal method for managing trees in urban areas, where space is at a premium and regular maintenance is required.
There are many uses for tree pollarding, including basket-weaving and producing woody shrubs. Some common trees that are suitable for pollarding include the Acer, Walnut, and Platanus bignoides. These trees can tolerate regular pruning and will produce dense, packed branches that are perfect for basket-weaving.
Pollarding is a term given to the process in which the main branch systems of trees are pruned heavily to short stubs.
This promotes vigorous young re-growth from the stumpy branches and is often used in urban areas to reduce the crown size of old street trees. Modern street trees are selected for their size and habit, and varieties are chosen that do not grow too large to obscure vision for motorists or pedestrians and do not drop excessive leaf litter.
A century ago, when many trees were planted in cities, the choice of species was limited. When selecting tree specimens for urban areas, factors such as size, growth habit, and litter generation should be taken into account. Certain species, like Tilia (commonly known as Linden or Lime), possess characteristics that make them suitable for urban environments. They tend to grow in a compact shape and do not produce excessive litter or branches that obscure the line of sight for motorists and pedestrians.
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In London, the need for pollarding street trees was triggered by the limited species selection and the desire to control the size and appearance of urban trees. By heavily pruning the branch systems and promoting re-growth, the crown size can be reduced, making the trees more suitable for urban areas.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the selection and management of street trees play an important role in maintaining the urban environment. Careful consideration should be given to the choice of species and the use of pollarding techniques to ensure that urban trees do not become too large or pose a safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
Much of the older tree stock was chosen more for the ability to tolerate pollution than decorative attributes. An example is Platanus x hispanica – the London plane.
These large and often over-mature specimens often cause problems with reducing visibility, blocking drains and gutters, restricting light into neighboring houses, and dropping large branches. One way of managing this is to pollard them.
| What is pollarding? |
| Pollarding is a pruning technique that involves removing the upper branches of a tree, leaving only the trunk and a few major branches. This helps control the size and shape of the tree, preventing it from growing too large and becoming unsuitable for its surroundings. It can be used as a method of rejuvenating large, over-mature trees that have become problematic. |
| How is pollarding done? |
| During the winter, when the tree is dormant, the upper branches are cut back to the main trunk or a few selected lower branches. This reduces the overall height and spread of the tree’s crown. Regular pollarding every few years helps maintain the desired size and shape of the tree. |
| What trees are suitable for pollarding? |
| Many broad-leaved trees, such as maples and catalpa, can be pollarded. However, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of each tree species and its suitability for pollarding. London plane (Platanus x hispanica) is a commonly pollarded tree in London squares and parks due to its ability to tolerate pollution and its regular growth habit. |
| Why pollard trees in London squares? |
| Pollarding trees in London squares helps manage the size and shape of the trees, preventing them from obstructing visibility, blocking drains and gutters, and casting excessive shade on neighboring houses. It also helps reduce the risk of dropping large branches, which can pose safety hazards. |
In conclusion, pollarding is a technique used to manage large and problematic trees in urban areas. It helps control the size and shape of the trees, making them more suitable for their surroundings. The London plane (Platanus x hispanica) is a prime example of a tree that benefits from regular pollarding in London squares and parks.
Unfortunately some of these trees are initially lopped in a haphazard way and the tree can soon become very unattractive
When it comes to tree pollarding, it is important to approach the process with care and precision. Unfortunately, some trees are initially lopped in a haphazard way, which can have negative effects on their appearance. When trees are not properly pollarded, they can quickly become unattractive.
They need regular maintenance – ideally requiring removal of the water shoots that subsequently form at least once every 2 years
Regular maintenance is crucial for tree pollarding. It is recommended to remove the water shoots that form after pollarding at least once every 2 years. This helps to keep the trees healthy and promotes proper regrowth.
Neglecting this process can lead to congested branch systems
If the regular maintenance of removing water shoots is neglected, it can lead to congested branch systems. This means that the branches become overcrowded, making it difficult for the tree to grow in a healthy manner.
This in turn can lead to damage caused by the densely packed stems rubbing against each other as they grow, ultimately creating a very unsightly crown
When the branches of a pollarded tree become congested, the densely packed stems can rub against each other as they grow. This can cause damage to the tree and result in the formation of an unsightly crown. To avoid this, regular maintenance is essential.
The practice of pollarding was originally carried out to produce timber of different sizes for fuel, hurdle-making, charcoal-making, and basket-weaving
The regular cutting back of trees through pollarding was initially done to provide timber of various sizes for different purposes such as fuel, hurdle-making, charcoal-making, and basket-weaving. By regularly cutting back the trees, an abundance of young, vigorous, and long stems would be produced. These stems were then cut at different ages depending on their intended use. Although similar to coppicing, pollarding differs in that it is carried out at an elevated height on the main trunk of the tree. This technique allows for the growth to be out of reach for grazing animals.
When pollarding, specific trees are chosen based on their ability to produce the desired timber. Common tree species for pollarding include willow, lime, oak, and poplar. Some trees, such as the catalpa, are particularly suited for this practice due to their rapid growth and ability to produce abundant new shoots.
The process of pollarding involves cutting the main trunk of the tree at a chosen height, known as the pollarding point. This height is usually above the reach of grazing animals. By cutting back the tree to this point, the roots of the tree are able to keep on supplying nutrients and water to the regrowth. This results in the production of an abundance of new shoots, also known as “suckers.” These suckers grow vigorously and can be re-directed and maintained in a specific shape to fulfill various purposes.
One of the main benefits of pollarding is that it encourages the growth of long stems that are suitable for producing timber. In addition, the regular cutting back helps to prevent the trees from becoming too dense and soon unattractive. The practice is often employed in areas such as allées, or tree-lined avenues, to offer a clear line of sight while also allowing for new growth to flourish.
In conclusion, pollarding is a technique that has been used for centuries to produce timber of different sizes for various purposes. It involves cutting back trees at an elevated height on the main trunk, resulting in the production of an abundance of young, vigorous, and long stems. This practice allows for the growth to be out of reach for grazing animals, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the trees.
At its best when maintenance is carried out professionally and regularly pollarding can produce highly decorative forms
We see them seen in many cities on the continent lining boulevards and market squares where they use the dense canopies of foliage rather like giant parasols. They offer excellent shade during the hot summer months.
Pollarding is a method of pruning trees to keep them at a certain height and shape. It involves removing the upper branches of a tree, leaving only the main trunk intact. This process encourages new growth and helps maintain the tree’s shape.
Walnut and other similar tree species are often pollarded to create decorative forms. The dense canopies formed by pollarding make these trees suitable for lining streets, alleys, and other urban areas. The trees’ dense foliage acts as natural shade, providing relief during the hot summer months.
Pollarding is a qualified method that requires professional expertise. If carried out incorrectly or haphazardly, it can lead to negative consequences. For instance, if the wrong branches are removed, it can cause disease or hinder proper growth. Moreover, if the pruning cuts are not made properly, the tree may develop weak limbs that can break, potentially causing damage or injury.
Regular pollarding is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of pollarded trees. If left untrimmed, the trees can grow larger and taller than desired, blocking views or causing other issues. Additionally, the weight of the dense foliage can cause branches to break or bend, further disrupting the tree’s shape.
The term “pollarding” is often used to describe the rejuvenating pruning of other tree species, such as maples and fagus. These trees can also benefit from pollarding to reduce excessive growth and maintain a desired form. The removed branches can be used as timber or firewood, providing a practical use for the pruned material.
In conclusion, pollarding, when done professionally and regularly, can create highly decorative forms of trees. It is commonly observed in cities, where the dense canopies of foliage provide shade during hot summer months. While pollarding requires qualified expertise, it offers long-term benefits in terms of shape maintenance and timber uses.
