Pollarding
Traditionally it was also used to promote the growth of commercially valuable wood. Species that are suitable for this technique would tend to form long straight regrowth, which could then be regularly harvested on cycles of 2 to 10 years and this wood could then be used for anything from firewood and furniture, construction to craft making and fencing materials. TreeSmiths Ltd however tend to use this technique mainly as a way of controlling the size of a tree species that is suitable for pollarding.
There are two main ways to pollard a tree; the first is to remove all branches and foliage back to the main trunk of the tree, leaving the main stem standing. This can be done on appropriate species but is not recommended for mature trees where pollarding operations have not been carried out before; the second is where a reduction of the crown of more than 40% is required, in this instance it is very difficult to cut to growth points and therefore TreeSmiths Ltd would consider this a pollard, in this instance TreeSmiths Ltd will aim to get a good shape on the pollard to promote even regrowth.
Reasons for pollarding are:
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To control the regrowth of a previously pollard tree
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On young trees that are suitable for pollarding with a view to maintaining these trees in a pollarding cycle
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To prevent trees out growing their allotted space
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Where a reduction of more than 40% is required
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To promote dense bushy regrowth
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To reduce water intake and root growth to minimise subsidence
TreeSmiths Ltd recommends that pollards are regularly maintained on a 1 to 6 year cycle. Regrowth on pollards tends to form weak attachments to the main stem or trunk of the tree. When these branches become weighty in material they are more susceptible to failure. Regular re-pollarding reduces this risk and is recommended.
TESTIMONIAL
I felt that I must drop you a few lines to express our thanks for the work carried out by your team. The pair of them worked pretty much non stop. They were incredibly polite, & professional. The end result exceeded our expectations. To say we are delighted is an understatement. They are a credit to your business.
John
