Pollarding

Pollarding is a frequently misunderstood term, and is used in two different contexts. Traditionally, the term describes the removal of all branches from the trunk. Mature trees that have not been previously pollarded are generally not suitable for this type of pollarding due to the large wounds that it produces which can jeopardise the long-term future of the tree.

A less frequently used definition can mean the regular (annual or biannual) pruning back of small branches to the same point resulting in the formation of a 'pollard head'.

The new growth of pollarded trees require regular maintenance.

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