Pollarding Ash Trees – Tony Hands, Sheffield Tree Surgeon.
Pollarding is a type of tree pruning involving the removal of upper branches. Pollarding is a long-established form of tree management and can preserve an ash tree for a time whilst making it safer.
Pollarding Ash trees is something we are doing more of in recent years. As mentioned above, Pollarding an ash tree involves taking the tree back to previous pruning points, this promotes the regrow that growth of a more compact canopy. It is also an effective method of reducing the amount of shade cast by the tree.
Here’s a recent example of an ash Tree that Hands on Tree Care were called out to deal with during the spring. Warning: a pollarded tree can look harsh, but trees will soon recover.
Before Pollarding
This Ash tree was one we had pollarded before. After Pollarding new branches begin to return within a few weeks. After just a couple of years, the tree had begun to be expansive again. After five years the tree was ready to be pollarded again as many new branches had begun to grow large, and this was shading the garden and adjacent gardens too much.
After Pollarding
We climbed into the tree using ropes and then began removing the larger branches that had regrown. We took the tree back to the main branch stems as before.
Pollarding can appear harsh when first done but once the tree comes into leaf creates a well-balanced tree. It is done every 5 years.
When To Pollard
The best time for pollarding most trees and bushes is in late winter or early spring. However, bear in mind the following:
- Summer can be a suitable time to pollard. Bear in mind, that the new growth may be poor as a result of the scorch, drought or heavy shade cast by neighbouring trees
- Avoid Pllarding in the autumn, as decay or fungi can enter the pruning cuts and make the tree sick, or worse, kill it.
Is Pollarding Good For A Tree?
This method of pruning is an effective way to reduce the amount of shade cast by trees, it prevents trees from outgrowing their environment and can also be beneficial, sometimes necessary in locations where trees might hinder neighbouring properties or overhead cables
In cases where Ash dieback is present, the ash tree will regrow until it finally succumbs to the disease and even then the trunk can be left standing for the benefit of wildlife.
Do You Need A Tree Pollarding?
If you need tree pruning then get in touch with Hands on Tree Care. We will give you a free quotation and decide on the type of prune that would benefit your trees best. Contact us today.
