Pollarding Pruning Technique
By Kay DiVerde
Do the trees in your yard look like all the others in your neighborhood? Do you strive to have a different, unique style of your own? If so, you may want to consider using a pruning technique once very popular in Europe called pollarding.
When Neatness Counts
Pollarding is a technique used for shaping trees which gives the trees a highly mannered, formal look. It is also useful to control the size of an otherwise large-growing tree. This technique is for you if you like to fuss over your trees and give your yard an incredibly neat look.
When choosing a tree to use the pollarding technique, choose a fast-growing deciduous tree that doesn’t mind being cut repeatedly. If you are starting with a young tree, wait until you have at least 5-6 feet of clear trunk. This will create the best appearance. While the tree is young, keep some branches on the trunk, but don’t let them grow more than one foot in any season. Keeping these low branches while the tree is young helps to thicken the trunk and to shield it from direct sunlight.
How it Works
To perform the pollarding technique remove the lower limbs of your tree once your tree is established. Then chop off the remaining branches to achieve a club-like effect. This will soften each spring when the tree develops fresh growth. Spread out the branch removal over several years while getting started. Once established, you will want to cut back the branches each year during the dormant season. You can also cut back the trunk to the height you desire in the winter. Your final outcome will be a club or umbrella shape.
The pollarding tree shaping technique will give your yard a very neat, orderly appearance. While it is not commonly used today, it is a technique that can be used to keep your trees healthy and unique. You’ll enjoy a very interesting and curious look when your trees lose their leaves!
Kay DiVerde is a freelance writer, horticultural researcher and consultant for Orchard's Edge. DiVerde also writes for a variety of newsletters and publications in the Midwest.
