Ideal Tree Services specialise in various tree care practices, including pollarding and re-pollarding. Pollarding and re-pollarding are skilled techniques that can greatly benefit trees and landscapes when executed correctly. As a professional tree surgeon, my priority is to ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the trees under my care. For clients seeking pollarding or re-pollarding services, understanding the process, safety measures, qualifications, and long-term implications is crucial to making informed decisions about their tree maintenance needs.
Using correct tree surgery techniques is essential for maintaining tree health, managing growth, and enhancing safety. In this section, I’ll provide insights into when pollarding or re-pollarding may be necessary, the process involved, safety considerations, required qualifications, and information that clients seeking these services may find valuable.
Ideal Tree Services are certified arborists, holding an array of tree surgery qualifications, our arboricultural knowledge is outstanding! We have an in-depth understanding of tree biology, growth patterns, and pruning techniques and practical experience in pollarding and re-pollarding a variety of tree species. You can be sure to get a high-quality finish should you choose us for your pollarding needs.
When is Pollarding or Re-pollarding Necessary?
Pollarding is a pruning method that involves cutting back the upper branches of a tree to the main trunk or main branches, creating a framework of regrowth. There are a variety of reasons pollarding (or re-pollarding) may be necessary.
Space consideration is a big factor in the initial pollarding of a tree. In urban areas, where trees may outgrow their allotted space, pollarding can control growth and prevent interference with structures or utility lines.
There may be situations where pollarding a tree will ensure the ongoing safety of a tree. For example, trees prone to dropping heavy limbs, pollarding can reduce the risk of falling branches. Older trees may benefit from rejuvenation by undergoing pollarding (or re-pollarding). This may be needed if a tree is suffering from decay or overgrowth. Re-pollarding can encourage fresh growth and extend the lifespan of the tree.
Sometimes, pollarding can be used for aesthetic management. When carried out properly pollarding can be used for ornamental purposes, creating a distinctive appearance that suits the landscape design.
The Pollarding and Re-pollarding Process:
1. Assessment: A thorough assessment of the tree’s health, structure, and location is conducted. The decision to pollard or re-pollard is based on the tree’s species, condition, and the client’s objectives.
2. Timing: Pollarding is typically performed during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring) to minimize stress on the tree and promote vigorous regrowth.
3. Height Selection: Suitable height for pollarding is determined based on the tree’s species, age, and site requirements. This height becomes the future pollard head.
4. Initial Cut: A clean, precise cut is made above the chosen height, usually just above a bud or lateral branch.
5. Regrowth Management: Over time, new shoots develop from the pollard head. These shoots are regularly pruned to prevent excessive competition, ensuring a balanced regrowth framework.
6. Re-pollarding: After several years, when the regrowth becomes dense or starts to interfere with the tree’s purpose, re-pollarding involves removing excess regrowth to maintain the desired structure.
Safety Considerations:
Safety is of the upmost importance when undertaking any tree surgery process. At Ideal Tree services, we have a deep commitment to ensuring our health and safety practices are on point!
All our equipment is safety checked prior to undertaking any task. For a pollard (or re-pollard) We use sharp, well-maintained tools such as pruning saws, loppers, and safety harnesses for working at heights.
All employees and sub- contractors will wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Proper PPE, including helmets, gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing, is a must.
We consider each individual work environment on its own merit. This will involve clearing the surrounding area around the tree, to prevent debris from falling on people or property. Appropriate signage, traffic Management, or cordons will be put in place to ensure that the risk to people entering the work site is reduced.
An obvious hazard when pollarding a tree is working at heights, we use safety harnesses and secure ropes to prevent falls and are fully trained in Safe Working at Heights practices.
Useful Information for Clients:
Ideal Tree Services Provide a full consultation to assess your tree requirements. We will schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, tree health, and expected outcomes of pollarding or re-pollarding.
We will fully explain the ongoing maintenance requirements. Pollarding requires ongoing management to maintain the desired shape and health of the tree, but regrowth after pollarding may take several years to fully establish.
It is important to check local regulations prior to undertaking any tree work. Clients should check if any local regulations or permissions are required for pollarding, especially if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
If we undertake pollarding for you, we will discuss a long-term plan for the tree, including future pollarding or re-pollarding cycles.
Ideal Tree Services are reputable tree surgeons- check out our fantastic reviews for your assurance