Tree Pollarding New Forest: What Is It & When Is It Appropriate?

Pollarding is one of the most recognisable forms of tree management, but it is also one of the most misunderstood.

It involves establishing a framework at a chosen height and periodically cutting new growth back to those established pollard points.

When correctly established and maintained on a suitable species, pollarding can be an effective long-term management technique. It is not, however, simply another term for heavily cutting back any large tree.

Why Are Trees Pollarded?

Pollarding has been practised for centuries.

Historically, it allowed repeated harvesting of branches while keeping new growth above the reach of grazing animals.

Today it can be used to control the size and growth of certain trees, particularly where a tree has been managed this way previously.

The New Forest itself has an extraordinary history of pollarding. Some of the area's ancient pollarded trees remain important features of the landscape centuries after they were first managed.

Is Pollarding the Same as Topping?

No. This is an important distinction.

Proper pollarding establishes and then maintains defined pruning points as part of an ongoing management system.

Indiscriminately removing large sections of the canopy from a mature tree that has never been pollarded is very different and can result in poor structure, large wounds and vigorous regrowth.

If a large tree has outgrown its available space, crown reduction or another form of selective pruning may be more appropriate.

Can Any Tree Be Pollarded?

No. Some species respond to pollarding much better than others, and the age, condition and previous management of the tree also matter.

Before recommending pollarding, an arborist should consider:

• Tree species

• Age and condition

• Existing structure

• Previous pruning history

• Position and available space

• The objective of the work

• How the tree will be managed in future

Once a pollarding cycle has been established, ongoing management is usually required.

Should an Old Pollard Be Cut Back Again?

Potentially, but veteran and historically pollarded trees require particularly careful consideration.

Old pollards can develop cavities, deadwood and other veteran features that are valuable for wildlife. Major intervention without understanding the tree's history and condition can do more harm than good.

An inspection should therefore come before the chainsaw.

Professional Tree Pollarding in the New Forest

Arbor Bear Tree Specialists provides professional tree pruning and pollarding throughout Lymington, the New Forest and surrounding Hampshire.

Whether you have an established pollard requiring ongoing management or are considering how best to control a larger tree, we'll assess the tree first and recommend an appropriate arboricultural approach.

Contact Arbor Bear for professional advice before deciding how heavily your tree should be reduced.