Tree
Pollarding

What is pollarding and when is it right?

Pollarding Done
Correctly

What pollarding actually is

Pollarding is one of the oldest forms of tree management in Britain — a technique that predates modern arboriculture by centuries. In traditional practice, willows, limes and other species were cut back annually to provide a sustainable harvest of poles, fodder and wood fuel above the browse line of livestock. The tree regrew vigorously from the cut points each year, providing an almost indefinite renewable yield.

In a modern context, pollarding is used to manage the long-term size of a tree while keeping it alive and productive. A pollarded tree is cut back to a defined framework — the bolling — usually at two to four metres height, from which vigorous new growth is produced. That new growth is then cut back on a regular cycle, typically every two to five years depending on species and growth rate.

The critical point about pollarding is that it is a commitment, not a one-off operation. Once a tree has been pollarded, it must continue to be pollarded on the correct cycle. Allowing a pollard to go uncut for too long produces heavy epicormic growth that can become structurally unsafe — the weight of the new growth eventually causes branch failure at the old cut points.

When pollarding is and isn't appropriate

Pollarding is appropriate when the long-term size of a tree needs to be kept within defined limits — a willow overhanging a river or ditch that cannot be allowed to grow unchecked; a street lime where overhead lines or buildings dictate a maximum height; a garden tree where repeated crown reductions would otherwise progressively weaken the structure.

It is not appropriate as a first response to a tree that has "got too big". Crown reduction is usually the better starting point for garden trees that have simply grown larger than expected. Pollarding a mature, unpollarded tree carries significant risks of decay and structural failure, particularly in species that do not respond well to severe pruning.

We advise on whether pollarding or an alternative approach is most appropriate at the site visit. Where a tree has never been pollarded before, we will say so clearly.

Planning and TPO consent

Pollarding a tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order requires prior written consent from the relevant planning authority — Dorset Council, BCP Council, NFDC, NFNPA, Wiltshire Council or another authority depending on location. Trees in Conservation Areas require six weeks' prior notification regardless of TPO status. We confirm planning status at the site visit and manage all applications directly.

Our pollarding work

We carry out pollarding across Dorset, Hampshire and south Wiltshire. All pollarding is carried out by NPTC qualified arborists, to BS3998 standard. Cuts are made at the correct position to minimise wound area and encourage healthy callusing. Debris is chipped or removed from site on completion.