Have you ever wondered why some trees have short trunks with dense, sprouting crowns? They were likely pollarded, which is a type of pruning technique. As the go-to crew for tailored tree services in Wellington, FL, we at ECO Tree experts can lend some insight into this method.
How Tree Pollarding Shapes Growth
So what is tree pollarding? If your typical pruning routine preserves the natural silhouette while removing problematic growth, pollarding completely changes a specimen’s shape.
This technique involves cutting back virtually all growth from specific points on the main trunk, leaving the tree with no canopy. These cutting points slowly thicken and turn into “knuckles” or pollard heads. The more you pollard the tree, the more these knuckles swell and become gnarled.
The branches that grow back are often thinner, more numerous, and form in clusters of shoots.
When and Why To Pollard a Tree
What is tree pollarding, and how can it improve your outdoor space? When done right, pollarding brings many worthwhile advantages, including:
- Controlling a tree’s size: If your specimen is quickly outgrowing its space, regular pollarding can keep it from encroaching on surrounding structures, foundations, and power lines. It also prevents excessive shading of your garden.
- Boosting safety: Do you have big, heavy tree branches looming over your roof or high-traffic areas? Passing storms could bring them down unexpectedly, so it might be smart to address them sooner rather than later.
- Making maintenance easier: With less leaf litter and smaller branches to manage, you can keep your yard immaculate without spending hours raking and trimming.
- Creating a unique aesthetic: A pollarded tree’s thick knuckles and numerous branch clusters can add a bold, sculptural element to your landscape.
Trees That Respond Well to Pollarding
Now that we’ve covered the tree pollarding definition and benefits, it’s important to note that this technique isn’t ideal for every species. Since you essentially remove the tree’s ability to produce food, you need one that can rapidly recover by producing epicormic shoots.
The best candidates are mainly deciduous varieties that shed seasonally, including:
- Hornbeam
- Chestnut
- Willow
- Beech
- Oak
- Lime
- Ash
Most conifers and other slow-growing trees may struggle with this treatment, with a few rare exceptions like yew.
What’s the Ideal Tree Pollarding Time?
We generally recommend starting tree maintenance through pollarding very early, at around three to five years old. Since old, more established specimens grow more slowly, they need a careful assessment before pruning.
The dormancy period, typically in winter or early spring, is the best time to pollard trees to reduce stress and the risk of disease, though this isn’t always as much of an issue in the southern Florida climate.
Your Trusted Tree Pruning Specialists in Wellington
What is tree pollarding? It’s an intensive procedure that permanently alters the way a specimen grows, so it’s not something to jump into without proper consideration. If you think your tree needs this treatment, consult ECO Tree experts.
Our specialists can inspect your specimen, review your goals, and recommend the best course of action. Contact us today or read our blog post on understanding common tree pruning types.
