Can you Pollard a mature tree?
A tree which has been allowed to grow without being cut as a pollard (or coppice stool) is called a maiden or maiden tree. Pollarding older trees may result in the death of the tree, especially if there are no branches below the cut, or the tree is of an inappropriate species.
Is it OK to cut the top of a tree?
Topping a tree will stress it and weaken it, making it less safe and leading to costly, long-term maintenance headaches. A tree is said to be “topped” when the main stem or largest branches are cut off, removing much of its canopy of leaves and retaining only smaller, less vigorous lower branches.
Is it good to top a tree?
Topping is often used to reduce the size of a tree. A homeowner may feel that a tree has become too large for his or her property, or that tall trees may pose an unacceptable risk. Topping, however, is not a viable method of height reduction and certainly does not eliminate future risk.
Should I Pollard my tree?
Undertake pollard tree pruning while the tree is dormant, during the winter or early spring, January through March in most places. Always choose young trees for pollarding, since they regrow faster and better than older trees. They are also less susceptible to disease.
What are the benefits of pollarding?
Pollarding is a pruning technique used for many reasons, including:
- Preventing trees and shrubs outgrowing their allotted space.
- Pollarding can reduce the shade cast by a tree.
- May be necessary on street trees to prevent electric wires and streetlights being obstructed.
How do you reduce the height of a tree?
How to Make a Tree Stop Growing Upward
- Cut the top of the tree back to within 2 inches where several other branches are growing from the main trunk.
- Select a new lead from those branches growing closest to the top.
- Prune back all the other limbs in the same section so that the top stay uniform to the rest of the tree.
What is the best time to Pollard trees?
spring
The best time for pollarding many trees and shrubs is in late winter or early spring. However, bear in mind the following: Avoid pruning Acer species in spring when they are prone to bleeding sap. Summer can be a suitable time to pollard.
Is pollarding the same as topping?
The major difference between the two words: Whereas the former is done with design in mind, the latter is done out of expediency. More thought and planning goes into pollarding, which is considered an art form, much like topiary. Topping means cutting older trees down almost to the top of the trunk.
Can you control the height of a tree?
One way of limiting a tree’s height is by shaping it like a tulip, regulating the trunk’s vertical growth. Once you prune the tree into this shape if you wish to maintain your tree low, remove or prune vigorous roots over the height, pruning 50\% of all new growth in the early summer or late spring of the third year.