Category: Pollarding

Pollarding is a traditional, intensive pruning technique where a tree’s upper branches are cut back to the main trunk or a framework of thicker branches, typically at the same height every few years, to control its size and shape, create a dense canopy, and provide usable wood or fodder. This process encourages vigorous regrowth from the cut points, creating distinctive “knobbly” growth points and keeping trees manageable in urban settings, preventing interference with buildings or power lines, and historically providing resources for livestock or fuel.