Pollarding

Pollarding is a pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. Pollarding is a treatment that is given to young trees in order to make them grow with a short trunk and a bushy canopy so that they can be maintained by regular removal of young growth. It has been common in Great Britain and Europe since medieval times and is practiced today in urban areas worldwide. Pollarded trees can be spotted quite frequently on roadsides around the country. Primarily used to maintain trees at a predetermined height and also to prevent trees overgrowing and blocking light from residential propertys. The pollarding process however should begin when a tree is very young.

Pollarding is a high maintenance practice requiring repruning every 2 to 5 years, however it can create
unique trees that live for a very long time.

Beech, Willow, Oak, Planes and  Lime are known to respond well to pollarding. It's not easily applied to mature trees, as the cutting of larger branches, known as "topping", leaves a tree more exposed to disease, and is not something we recommend at Choppa Tree Services