If you revel saunter your neighborhood and look up to the natural environment around you , then you may have come across the occasional tree with its branches trimmed all the way back to the trunk . While in some cases , this may simply be the first part of a full tree removal , at other fourth dimension this is actually a distinctive pruning proficiency called poll . As it go , pollarding is a strategy for sustain a tree smaller than its raw size .
poll is an especially common practice for Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that are growing in public quad or near mightiness phone line , where their full height might cause trouble . In many eccentric , this technique can keep tree that otherwise could reach 90 base or more to a far more achievable 30 pes .
This pruning technique is n’t for the faint of heart , though . It require start when the tree is young and diligently cutting it back each year . Plus , it might not be a good idea to rationalise every type of tree this way . Here ’s what to know about pollarding , and if it ’d be a good choice for any of the tree diagram turn in your yard .
Can you pollard any tree?
Sadly , not every tree responds well to pollarding . Not only is it important to originate the practice when the tree is still a sapling , but it ’s also good to only attempt it on trees with stiff wood that is n’t probable to break and part . poplar , willows , andvarieties of beech treesare especially prostrate to damage if they are pollard .
While pollarding does n’t needs damage all trees , it can be harmful and increase the Tree ' peril for pest and disease if it ’s done poorly or attempted on old trees . When done well , however , it can be beneficial for trees , as it help to prevent overly heavy offshoot and weight imbalances . Pollardingcrepe myrtle treesis peculiarly controversial , with many people refer to this aggressive pruning style as " crepe murder " and is often unneeded .
The practice of pollarding tends to give trees an odd coming into court during the torpid time of year , with knobby nubs where offshoot otherwise would be . If you do n’t handle for the tone of pollard or gruelling pruning , then it ’s especially significant to do your inquiry before planting trees so you may make certain they wo n’t outgrow their space . Otherwise , your only choice may be to either pollard ortransplant the tree diagram .
How to pollard a tree
If you have a vernal tree diagram that is a good candidate for pollarding , then begin by determine the size and shape you need to maintain the tree diagram at . Then , during the winter when the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is inactive , cut it to your desire shape . You should n’t be postulate away more than two or three years worth of growth . thin most of the branches back to within a few inch of the proboscis . you’re able to also leave a few sturdy branches a bit longer if you desire .
The tree will continue to grow sprouts from the cut branches each fountain . Once it goes hibernating again in the cold-blooded seasons , repeat the process : prune it back to just above those original cut . Over the long time , the distinctive node that pollarded Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are known for will organise . These are call pollard heads . With this method acting , you may keep your tree diagram at a realizable height indefinitely , while also potentially creating a born and unique work of artistry .
