‘Pollarding’ means pruning a tree to remove its upper branches. Pollarding helps to keep trees safe, manageable and prevents them outgrowing the available space, especially in urban streets.
We carry out pollarding in winter months after leaf drop, which reduces the risk of damage and stress to the tree. Our pollarding is carefully planned to minimise disruption to nesting birds and local wildlife. Once finished, the change to these trees can look drastic, but rest assured that the selected species are chosen for their resilience, meaning they grow back efficiently and quickly.
How pollarding works might affect you
We will deliver postcards to residents affected by the works, outlining the possible disruption and explaining why the works are needed.
We may have to close or cone off some roads temporarily to enable safe and efficient pollarding.
If your road is affected, please don’t park close to the marked trees as access is crucial for our teams to carry out the necessary work.
We kindly request your cooperation and understanding if you are affected by pollarding works.
What we do with the debris and pruned branches
We recycle the pruned branches and debris wherever possible. Larges branches may be chipped and repurposed for mulch, which helps improve soil health and prevent weed growth. In some cases, wood is repurposed for community projects or composting.
How we select which trees to pollard
Trees are selected based on several factors, including species suitability, age, health, and location. We focus on trees that are prone to outgrowing their space, especially in urban streets, or those that may pose safety risks due to their size. Pollarding also benefits species that naturally respond well to regular pruning.
Why we do not pollard all street trees
Not all tree species are suitable for pollarding. Some trees respond better to less intensive pruning methods. Additionally, pollarding is typically only necessary for trees that have outgrown their space or could pose a risk to property or public safety. Each tree is assessed individually to determine the best course of action for its health and the surrounding environment.
The tree now has no leaves, have we killed it?
No, the tree is not dead! After pollarding, the tree may look bare or drastic, but this is a temporary phase. Pollarding encourages vigorous regrowth, and by the next growing season, the tree will start producing new branches and leaves. The species we select for pollarding are chosen because they can handle this kind of pruning and will quickly regenerate.
How long does it take for the crown to grow back?
The time it takes for a tree's crown to grow back depends on the species and local growing conditions. Generally, you can expect noticeable regrowth within one to two years. Full recovery to a substantial crown can take three to five years.
How long will the work take?
The duration of pollarding work varies depending on the number and size of the trees being treated. On average, a single tree can take a few hours to complete, while larger projects involving multiple trees may take several days. We will always strive to complete the work as efficiently as possible with minimal disruption.