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Pollarding, why its important to countryside management

In the tapestry of British history, the art of tree pollarding once wove a vital thread, sustaining both livestock and hearths with its bounty. While its prevalence waned in the eighteenth century, echoes of this ancient practice endure, resonating across Europe and tropical realms alike.

Originally, pollarding served to invigorate fresh growth from tree trunks, ensuring a perennial supply of coppice products at manageable heights. Today, its urban application extends beyond tradition, safeguarding infrastructure and fostering biodiversity.

Precision is paramount in pollarding, with meticulous cuts preserving against rot and disease. For instance, the venerable willow, known for its rampant spread, is tamed through pollarding, curbing over-shading and nurturing ground-level flora.

In essence, tree pollarding, while rooted in tradition, continues to evolve, bridging heritage and modernity. Tree pollarding stands as a cornerstone of countryside management, offering multifaceted benefits for both ecosystems and communities.

By thinning tree canopies and promoting ground-level light, pollarding fosters the flourishing of diverse flora, enriching habitats for wildlife and enhancing biodiversity. Moreover, by curbing unchecked growth and managing tree height, it mitigates risks of obstructions to roads, power lines, and other infrastructure, ensuring safety and accessibility in rural areas.

Additionally, the practice extends the healthy lifespan of trees by pre-emptively thwarting diseases and pests, preserving their ecological contributions for generations to come. Overall, tree pollarding embodies a holistic approach to countryside stewardship, balancing tradition with modern conservation principles to sustainably manage landscapes for the benefit of both nature and society.

Pollarding involves cutting the tree at 2-5m from ground. As with coppicing, this is ideally carried out from when the tree is young and done in winter. Pollarding is carried out from every 1-2 years. Branches are pruned to just above the previous cut, where a swollen knob develops that contains plenty of dormant buds.

The most common reason for pollarding these days is to control tree size, so it is usually carried out annually once the tree is at the desired size. Heavy branches growing from a pollard can be dangerous. Lower level cuts can be carried out from ground level, while higher cuts call for a qualified professional to climb up with ropes.