Our team of tree surgeons are experts in pollarding. This tree maintenance technique can be incredibly effective, but it needs to be handled with care.
Wondering if tree pollarding is the service you need for your garden or outdoor space? Read on for our beginner’s guide, where we’ll go through everything you need to know about pollarding a tree.
What is tree pollarding?
Pollarding a tree involves trimming a tree’s upper branches. What makes this technique different from other forms of pruning is the fact that the branch is taken down to a specific point known as the ‘pollard head’.
Why and when should I pollard my tree?
The main reasons for booking a tree pollarding service are to:
- Maintain the tree’s size, preventing it from overgrowing. You might like to look into this technique if your trees are growing beyond the desired size.
- Ensure safety by preventing the likelihood of weak branches which could break and fall. It can be wise to pollard trees lining residential streets where they may be at risk of harming passersby.
- Promote healthier tree growth. Pollarding is an effective option if you are worried about the well-being of your trees.
Pollarding is a planned, preventative measure – if a branch has already failed or a tree is posing an immediate risk, that’s a job for our emergency tree removal in Essex service rather than routine pollarding.
As for timing, pollarding is the initial cutting process, and it should be followed up with re-pollarding as part of ongoing tree management, generally recommended every 3–5 years.
What time of year should trees be pollarded?
Pollarding can be carried out at any point throughout the year, however tree species and circumstances impact when this can be successfully carried out – it’s always best to check with a professional tree surgeon first.
If you need a tree surgeon in Essex, we’ll be happy to offer advice.
Is pollarding good for a tree?
Pollarding can be really beneficial for promoting new growth — but only when it’s done properly.
The pollard heads (cut points) offer a way for new branches to flourish. This can lead to a dense canopy with healthy new leaves. You may also find pollarding beneficial for stopping the spread of pests and disease.
As you’ll see, there are lots of caveats when it comes to pollarding. Under the right circumstances and with the proper techniques, it can be a fantastic service to help get the most out of your garden or outside space. However, there are some risks to be aware of…
Do all trees need pollarding?
Not all trees need pollarding. In fact, pollarding some types of trees can be counterproductive. It can cause them a lot of undue stress, which can leave them susceptible to diseases and decay.
You may be wondering: Can pollarding kill a tree? Well, when it’s carried out by a trained tree surgeon who knows all the correct techniques, tricks, and tips, pollarding shouldn’t harm a tree, let alone kill it!
However, when it’s not conducted properly, or if you try to pollard a tree species that isn’t suited to the process, it can potentially lead to decline.
Which trees can be pollarded?
There are a few species of trees that respond really well to pollarding, including ash trees, weeping willow, apple trees, and horse chestnut trees. Other great candidates include:
- Yew
- Oak
- Hornbeam
- Holly
- Bay Laurel
- Common Lime
- Plane
What is the difference between pollarding and pruning?
It’s easy to assume that pollarding and pruning are the same — after all, they both involve trimming branches. However, these techniques achieve different results.
Pruning tends to be more selective, and is where any damaged, weak, or overgrown branches are carefully cut. Pollarding, on the other hand, is more systematic and cuts branches back to a very specific point: the pollard head.
Here at Crown Tree Services, we can provide a whole range of professional tree services, from tree reductions and pollarding to shrub pruning for both commercial and residential outdoor spaces. We have extensive training and experience and will always recommend the most suitable service for the tree in question.
Why hire professionals to pollard your trees?
Although pollarding can be an excellent service for some trees, it’s not a universal approach. It needs to be carried out with precision and requires skill, training, and the right tools – which is exactly what our professional pollarding service provides. Without these, you run the risk of harming the trees in question..
You may be tempted to try pollarding yourself, but hiring a professional is well worth the cost.
Our team of arborists and tree surgeons have the experience and understanding required to carry out tree pollarding to a high standard. We always put your trees’ health and well-being first, so we will only recommend pollarding if we are confident that it’s the best course of action.
When you hire Crown Tree Services for pollarding, you can also benefit from:
- A comprehensive site visit and free, no-obligation quote.
- Peace of mind knowing we work to British standards BS3998:2010, hold DBS checks, and are backed by full insurance.
- A team that can travel across Essex to help out wherever you need.
Contact Crown Tree Services for expert pollarding
The health of your trees is always at the forefront of what we do here at Crown Tree Services. We can offer our professional pollarding service as a standalone job or as part of an ongoing landscape maintenance plan.
So, if you need a tree surgeon in Essex, you can rely on our experienced team. To learn more about pollarding and to arrange a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Call 01277 525150 or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll be happy to have a chat about your requirements.
