Tree pruning is a multifaceted endeavor that blends the art of shaping with the science of tree biology. It’s a crucial aspect of arboriculture that serves to maintain a tree’s health, aesthetics, and safety. In this extensive guide, we will explore two significant pruning techniques: pollarding and topping . By comprehending their differences, advantages, and the situations where each method is best applied, you can make informed decisions about the care of your trees.
As someone who’s been working with trees for years, I get this question a lot “Is pollarding actually harmful to trees?” Well, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no Let me break down everything you need to know about this controversial pruning technique
What Exactly is Pollarding?
Pollarding is basically giving your tree a pretty dramatic haircut. We cut back the upper branches and crown to just above the trunk or main stems. This creates these knobby growth points (we call them “knuckles”) where new branches sprout from.
Think of it like this – imagine if you kept cutting your hair at exactly the same spot every time. That’s what pollarding does to trees, except we’re talking about branches instead of hair!
When Did People Start Doing This?
Fun fact: This isn’t some new trendy gardening technique. Our ancestors were pollarding trees centuries ago in Europe! They weren’t just doing it for kicks – they needed:
- Wood for fuel
- Fodder for livestock
- Materials for making baskets and fences
- A way to control tree size in tight spaces
Which Trees Can Handle Pollarding?
Not all trees are tough enough for this treatment. Here’s what works best:
- Oak
- Maple
- Ash
- Beech
- Linden
- Mulberry
- Willow
- Hornbeam
- Chestnut
Important Don’t even think about pollarding conifers! They usually can’t handle it and might die
The Good Stuff About Pollarding
When done right, pollarding actually has some pretty cool benefits
-
Size Control
- Perfect for keeping big trees manageable in urban spaces
- Helps trees play nice with power lines and buildings
-
Safety Perks
- Reduces risk of heavy branches falling
- Makes trees more wind-resistant
-
Tree Health
- Can actually extend a tree’s life
- Keeps trees feeling young and vigorous
- Makes dense, healthy foliage
The Not-So-Good Stuff
I’ve got to be honest – pollarding isn’t all sunshine and rainbows:
-
Stress on Trees
- Trees need recovery time between cuts
- Young trees handle it better than mature ones
-
Disease Risks
- Those knuckles can be entry points for pests
- Infections can happen if cuts aren’t clean
-
Looks Different
- Some folks think the knobby look is ugly
- Trees lose their natural shape
-
Maintenance Headaches
- Need regular pruning (every 1-5 years)
- Can get expensive over time
How to Pollard Without Hurting Your Tree
If you’re gonna do it, do it right! Here’s my tried-and-true approach:
-
Start Young
- Begin when trees are still youthful
- Don’t try it on old trees that have never been pollarded
-
Time it Right
- Winter is best (when trees are sleeping)
- Avoid spring when sap is flowing
-
Cut Smart
- Make clean cuts just outside branch collars
- Don’t leave stubs or cut too close
-
Stay Consistent
- Keep up with regular maintenance
- Don’t skip years between pruning
When Pollarding Makes Sense
You might want to consider pollarding if:
- Your tree is too big for its space
- There are power lines nearby
- You want to maintain a formal garden look
- The tree species is suitable for pollarding
- You’re ready for long-term maintenance
When to Skip It
Pollarding probably isn’t your best bet if:
- Your tree is a conifer
- The tree is already mature and never pollarded
- You can’t commit to regular maintenance
- You prefer natural-looking trees
- You’re not willing to hire a pro when needed
The Bottom Line
Is pollarding bad for trees? Well, it’s kinda like getting a tattoo – it’s not inherently bad, but you better know what you’re doing and be ready for the commitment! When done right, on the right trees, pollarding can actually be beneficial. But mess it up, and yeah, you could hurt your tree.
My advice? If you’re thinking about pollarding, talk to a certified arborist first. They’ll help you figure out if it’s right for your situation and your trees.
Remember – trees are living things, and they deserve proper care. Whether you decide to pollard or not, make sure you’re doing what’s best for your green friends!
The Merging of Science and Art in Pruning
Pruning requires an understanding of both the science of tree growth and the artistic aspects of shaping trees. It’s not simply about removing branches; it involves an in-depth knowledge of a tree’s genus or family and the precise application of techniques to ensure the tree’s vitality. This includes how it grows, how it is affected by the seasons, and how it responds to pruning. Moreover, every leafed branch that is removed from a tree during pruning translates to less energy production for the tree as a whole. Consequently, every cut made must have a purpose and be executed with accuracy to give the tree the best chance at healing the wound. Let’s delve into two of the more drastic pruning methods—pollarding and topping—and their roles in tree care.
Remedies for Topped Trees
If you’ve observed an abundance of watersprouts after your tree has been topped, there’s still hope for recovery. When this happens, there are steps you can take to restructure and balance the tree’s crown. This process is known as ” crown restoration .” It involves strategically removing watersprouts and any dead branches while promoting well-placed, strongly attached watersprouts to develop into new branches. Crown restoration is a multi-year process that can rejuvenate and reshape your tree’s canopy, providing it with a chance to regain health and vitality.
Pollarding vs Coppicing
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of pollarding?
Disadvantages of pollarding include the potential for stress, increased vulnerability to disease and decay, and potential decline if not done correctly.
What trees are best to pollard?
Some of the other types of trees that can benefit from pollarding include beech trees, black locust trees, catalpa trees, hornbeams, horsechestnuts, London planetrees, mulberry trees, redbuds, and willows. There are many ways of pruning and training trees to grow in unusual shapes.
What part of a tree should not be cut?
Topping a tree. Topping a tree is precisely what it sounds like – cutting off the top of a tree. This practice causes undue stress to trees and can unbalance the structure of the tree, making it more likely to fall.
Why do people Pollard trees?
Pollarding helps to maintain a manageable tree size, reduces shade, and prevents branches from interfering with utility lines and streetlights. Additionally, regular pollarding improves the overall health of the tree by stimulating new growth and reducing the risk of disease through careful pruning techniques.
What happens if a tree is not pollarded?
Failure to maintain pollarding on the tree will lead to a growth of hefty branches afterward. The tree will also be overcrowded and will become susceptible to diseases, all thanks to an increase in humidity levels. The most significant difference between pruning and pollarding lies in the specific areas of the tree where the cutting takes place.
Should a tree be pollarded?
Young, healthy trees that have been properly maintained throughout time are the best choices for pollarding. For older trees, pollarding can sometimes lead to poor health, as the tree may struggle to sustain healthy regrowth. Always consult an expert before deciding to pollard an older or weakened tree. Improper pollarding can cause several issues.
Does pollarding kill trees?
Pollarding, when performed correctly, typically does not kill a tree. When done improperly, such as cutting too much of the tree, it can lead to stress and potential decline, but when executed with care, it can benefit certain tree species by promoting new growth and extending their lifespan. Is pollarding bad for trees?
Is tree pollarding good for the tree?
Tree pollarding is a common tree care practice, especially in urban environments where tree management is essential. This process involves cutting back the upper branches of a tree to encourage new growth, helping control a tree’s size and shape. Yet, many people wonder if it is actually good for the tree.
Is Pollarding a bad practice?
Young trees are less prone to disease and they regrow faster than the older ones. As for many, pollarding is a bad practice. And to shun this notion, the bad practice for trimming trees refers to topping, not pollarding. Topping is the method where the top section of the tree or central trunk is cut, and it’s performed commonly to old trees.
Which trees can be pollarded?
There are many trees that can be pollarded and it is deciduous, broadleaf trees that regrow rapidly that are best. Such examples include oak, willow, beech, eucalyptus, mulberries, ash and lime trees. What are the advantages of pollarding? Pollarding is a technique that can be adopted for a number of practical reasons.