Pollarding

Pollarding is a traditional pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed at a fixed point — the pollard head — on a regular cycle, typically every one to five years. Unlike topping, pollarding is a planned, repeating management technique applied from a tree's early years and maintained consistently throughout its life. When initiated correctly and maintained on schedule, pollarding can extend a tree's lifespan and manage size in confined spaces. This collection covers the history and practice of pollarding, species suited to the technique, how to establish a pollard, the consequences of abandoning an established pollard, and how pollarding compares to other crown management approaches.