Pollarding
/ˈpɑlərdɪŋ/
Definition
Pollarding is a pruning technique for certain trees in which the upper branches are cut back to the same framework of main stems at regular intervals. New shoots then grow from those cut points, forming a knobby head over time. Unlike topping, which is irregular and often harmful, pollarding follows a repeated pattern and usually begins when a tree is young.
Use in Gardening
- Crown size control: Pollarding keeps the upper canopy within a set size, which is useful along streets, near buildings, and in tight gardens where full natural spread would be difficult to manage.
- Strong juvenile regrowth: After cutting, many suitable trees produce vigorous new shoots from dormant buds near the cuts. This response can create dense annual growth and noticeably larger leaves on some species.
- Species suitability matters: Not all trees respond well. It is mainly used on species that tolerate repeated hard pruning, such as willow, poplar, plane, lime, and mulberry, while weak responders may decline or decay.
- Long-term maintenance commitment: Once started, pollarding usually needs regular repeat cutting on the same framework. If it is abandoned, the heavy regrowth can become structurally weak where shoots attach to older wood.
Related Terms
Pruning
Pruning is the horticultural practice of selectively cutting off plant parts, usually stems, branches, shoots, flowers…
Topping
Topping is a pruning technique that removes the main growing tip, or apical shoot, of a plant. Cutting off this…
Stem
Stem refers to the main aboveground plant structure that supports leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits, and connects them…
Terminal bud
Terminal bud refers to the bud at the very tip of a stem or shoot. It contains the shoot apical meristem, a region of…
Woody plant
Woody plant refers to a plant that produces persistent woody stems or trunks through secondary growth, the thickening…
Tree
Tree refers to a long-lived woody plant form, usually with one main trunk and a raised crown of branches and leaves…