Pollarding
Pollarding across Sussex and Surrey where a repeatable long-term growth management cycle makes more sense than one-off heavy pruning every few years.
What the job involves
Pollarding manages suitable trees on a repeat cutting cycle. Existing pollard points, species and condition determine whether it is appropriate. Brad can assess an established pollard and discuss the timing of future cuts.
Maintaining an existing pollard
Established pollards develop swollen heads at previous cutting points. New shoots are managed on a continuing cycle. The species, condition and length of time since the last cut determine what work is suitable now.
An overdue pollard needs reassessment
Regrowth becomes heavier as it develops. Returning an overgrown tree to its old cutting points is not always appropriate in one operation. The attachment of the branches and condition of the old heads need checking first.
Starting a pollard is a different decision
Pollarding normally begins while a suitable tree is young. Heavily cutting an older, unpollarded tree is not an equivalent treatment. Discuss crown reduction or replacement if the tree has outgrown its position.
- Confirm pollarding is actually the right approach for the species and setting
- Assess existing pollard points if the tree has been pollarded before
- Cut back to established knuckles or suitable pruning points consistently
- Clear arisings and leave the finished line tidy
- Set a realistic cycle date and record it so the next visit doesn't undo the work
If a tree has been pollarded before, give Brad the date of the last work if you know it. An established cutting cycle helps plan the next visit.
Not sure what you need? Call Brad.
Tell Brad where the tree is, what needs doing and what the access is like.