Pollarding

A traditional method of severe reduction, allowing easy management of trees for years to follow. Usually carried out in the early stages of a tree’s life but can be applied to semi-mature/mature trees where circumstances and species are correct. Most common species to pollard: Elm, Willow, Poplar, Sycamore, Lime.

To prevent this Elm tree growing too big for the garden, it has been regularly reduced back to the same growth points each time.  Over time the formation of ‘knuckles’ occur at the point where the cuts are made. This is where the tree has healed repeatedly, callousing over - a process that can take some time.  It is an effective method of tree management; the tree becomes used to being pruned to the same points, restricts crown size, allows easy regular maintenance, cuts are relativley small.

Some of the street Elms in Eastbourne are pollards, particularly parts of Seaside Rd and St. Annes Rd, many of the trees are around 150 years old. They are pruned every two years as they can put on up to 10ft of growth in that time.