We offer tree pollarding as a service to the people of Kalamazoo. This is something that most people have never heard of, but you’ve probably seen it. You can use this method on trees in a lot of different places to help shape them and keep them healthy and safe.
The magazine Horticulture says that pollarding is when young trees and shrubs are cut down to the main stem or trunk, which controls the height of the plants.” The trees and bushes are cut much higher, usually around six feet, than in coppicing. Pollarding maintains a desired height for the plants, reduces shade and defines the plants’ shape. This method is also used to keep tall trees from blocking phone and power lines when they are planted near streets. ”.
What is pollarding, and why do we do it? When a tree care professional pollards a tree, they first cut off the tree’s central leader and then all of the branches that are about the same height. This helps to shorten the crown of the tree. For safety reasons and to keep animals from grazing, we try to keep the tree at least six feet above the ground.
Pollarding also removes lower limbs and any crossing limbs – which is a typical part of tree pruning. Even though it might look silly or like your tree is dead at first, a thick crown will soon grow back. Because of this, it is very important to pollard young trees. It takes older trees longer to grow back in and fill with greens.
Pollarding usually happens when the tree is dormant. This can be different for each tree, but it usually happens in the winter or early spring.
According to Gardening Know How, it also makes your trees less susceptible to getting a disease or fungus.
Pollarding is an intense pruning technique that involves cutting back the branches of a tree to just above the trunk. It results in a striking “knuckle” or “bole” shape that is quite different from a tree’s natural form. For those considering getting their trees pollarded, the before and after photos can look shockingly different! While pollarding may seem extreme, it does not actually harm trees and can help them live longer healthier lives. Read on to learn all about pollarding trees, see some wild before and after examples, and decide if it is the right choice for your landscape.
What is Pollarding?
Pollarding is a pruning system that removes the vertical branching structure of a tree by cutting branches back to stubby knuckles near the trunk, This forces the tree to grow a dense ball of foliage at the top instead of long horizontal branches The knuckles that form can look quite unusual and knobby
Pollarding is typically started when trees are young saplings or poles, before the branches become large and heavy. Then it is repeated every 1-3 years. With each prune cycle, new shoots sprout from the knuckles, creating more knuckles and increasing the gnarled knobby appearance.
Pollarding is used to:
- Control tree height and spread for overhead wires, structures, or desired shapes
- Increase light below the crown
- Promote dense foliage for privacy screens or borders
- Reduce shade cast by trees
- Limit tree size in urban areas or under powerlines
- Create interesting ornamental branching structures
Proper pollarding does not harm trees In fact, by removing heavy limbs it can extend the lifespan and improve the health of pollarded trees
Pollarding Before and After Pictures
To understand the dramatic effects of pollarding it helps to see some before and after photos. The transformations are striking!
Linden Tree Allée
This allée of linden trees shows the progression of pollarding over 3 years. The before photo shows the trees at their original natural shape and height. In the first year after pollarding, the knuckles at the ends of branches are small nubs. By the third year, the knuckles have enlarged and the canopy has filled in.
![Linden tree allée before pollarding][]
Linden trees before pollarding![Linden trees 1 year after first pollard][]
1 year after first pollard ![Linden trees 3 years after pollarding][]
3 years after pollarding
Black Locust Trees
These black locust trees in a park setting show an even more dramatic shift. The before photo shows the tall, upright trees lining a pathway. After pollarding, the trees are transformed into short, wide lumps.![Black locusts before][]
Black locusts before pollarding![Black locusts after][]
Black locusts after pollarding
Weeping Willow
Weeping willows are commonly pollarded to control their size and shape. This weeping willow was pollarded to reduce its height and spread. The before shows the long drooping branches and after shows the knobby knuckles cut back to the main stems.
Weeping willow before pollarding
Weeping willow after pollarding
When to Pollard Trees
The best time to pollard trees is during winter dormancy, before new growth begins in spring. This reduces stress on the tree and allows wounds to heal quickly. Avoid pollarding during spring and summer active growth periods.
For young trees just starting pollarding, begin when they reach the desired initial pollarding height, from 4-8 ft. For established pollarded trees, prune every 1-3 years to control regrowth.
Take care not to remove too much live wood when pollarding or cut into branch collars. This can lead to decay and weak branching structure over time. A qualified arborist can assess your trees and determine proper pollarding technique.
Pollarding Benefits
While pollarding may seem extreme or even harmful, proper pollarding done by a professional provides many benefits:
- Extends lifespan by removing heavy limbs
- Maintains trees at desired heights
- Encourages dense foliage for privacy
- Allows more light below canopy
- Reduces hazard of large falling branches
- Shapes trees into interesting forms
- Provides renewable pruning wood
Is Pollarding Right for Your Trees?
Pollarding is not for every tree, but it can be useful for managing trees in confined urban areas or near structures and wires. Consider pollarding if your trees are:
- Growing too large for their planting space
- Blocking views or sunlight
- Extending near rooflines or powerlines
- Shading gardens or walkways
- Developing overly long leveraged branches
If you are interested in pollarding your trees, consult an ISA certified arborist. They can assess your specific trees and situation to determine if pollarding will benefit your landscape goals. With proper technique and timing, pollarding can allow you to maintain healthy trees at smaller sizes without harming their health.
The dramatic before and after pollarding pictures clearly show its transformative effects. If your trees need better height control or density, consider pollarding. With regular pruning cycles, you can enjoy the unique knobby knuckled forms as living sculpture in your landscape.
What Trees Can We Pollard?
That depends on your trees, the space you have, and how old your trees are. If they can pollard your tree, they can. As was already said, it is better to pollard younger trees because they will grow back much faster than older trees.
This is a list of trees that are commonly pollarded from the Royal Horticulture Society:
- Ash (Fraxinus)
- Common lime (Tilia × europaea)
- Elm (Ulmus)
- Elder (Sambucus)
- Gum (Eucalyptus)
- London plane (Platanus × hispanica)
- Mulberry (Morus)
- Oak (Quercus)
- Some species of Acer (A. negundo and its cultivars)
- Tulip tree (Liriodendron)
It is important to remember that each tree needs to be treated individually. If you have one of the types of trees above, you can still have it pollarded. The best thing you can do is talk to a professional tree care worker and ask what they think.
Why We Do It
There are many reasons why people get their trees pollarded. They cut down their trees because they feel unsafe leaving them in such a small space, because they want their trees to look better with their landscaping, or maybe because the tree isn’t growing in a way that will last.
The history of pollarding has been explained by SF Home Guides: “Historically, Europeans pollarded and coppiced trees to produce quick wood growth for kindling, fencing and basket-making. Nowadays, pollarding keeps tree branches from interfering with electrical wires and obstructing pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It is also used to keep large trees smaller than normal and reduce the shade they cast. The new growth on some trees is colorful, with pollarding producing constantly fresh branches.”
How To Pollard A Tree with Nick Dunn – Frank P Matthews
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of pollarding?
Is pollarding a tree good?
Can I Pollard an old tree?
Why do the French pollard their trees?
When should a pollard tree be pruned?
Pollard tree pruning should be done while the tree is dormant, during the winter or early spring, January through March in most places. Always choose young trees for pollarding, as they regrow faster and better than older trees. Undertake the pruning when the tree looks like a barren stick after the trimming, and the crown will soon grow back in.
What is tree pollarding?
Tree pollarding is a pruning technique used to control tree size, especially in urban areas with limited space. You can control the height and width of certain trees, like oak or lime trees, by regularly pollarding them. Another benefit of pollarding is that it promotes new growth.
When should a tree be pollarded?
Pollarding should be started once a young tree or shrub has grown to the height that you desire it to. It is always recommended to start with young plants, rather than pollarding an existing mature tree. Once the tree has reached the desired height, select three-to-five branches and remove all the others.
When is the best time to pollard Acer trees?
Pollarding reduces overcrowding, which can hinder the growth of many trees and shrubs. Avoid pruning Acer species in spring when they are prone to bleeding sap. Summer can be a suitable time to pollard.