Pollarding keeps trees at a controlled, manageable height indefinitely. White's are NPTC qualified and CHAS accredited, handling everything from first-time pollards to restoring trees that have been left to overgrow.
PROFESSIONAL POLLARDING
Pollarding cuts all branches back to the main trunk or a permanent framework of primary branches, known as the pollard head. New shoots grow from these points each season and are managed on a regular cycle, typically every one to three years depending on species. It’s not a one-off job. Once a tree has been pollarded, that cycle has to be maintained.
Common reasons include trees that repeatedly outgrow their space and can no longer be managed through pruning alone, trees near buildings or power lines that need to be kept at a fixed height, and species such as lime, willow and plane that grow vigorously and suit cyclical management. It’s also used to restore previously pollarded trees that have been left to overgrow.
Pollarding
Pollarding is more involved than it looks. Here's what it actually means for your tree, who it's the right call for, and why the cycle has to be managed by someone who knows what they're doing.
Pollarding is a cyclical pruning technique where branches are cut back to the main trunk or a permanent framework of primary branches. New growth emerges from these points each season, creating a dense head of young shoots that are managed on a regular cycle. Once established, the framework is permanent and the cycle continues indefinitely.
Homeowners with trees that repeatedly outgrow their space. Property managers needing trees kept below a fixed height near buildings or boundaries. Landlords and estate managers with avenue or amenity trees requiring uniform management. And anyone with a previously pollarded tree that has been left too long and needs bringing back to cycle.
When regular pruning is no longer holding the size and the tree keeps coming back too large. When a tree is too valuable or too established to remove but needs to stay at a controlled height.
When you have species like lime, willow, or plane that respond well to regular cyclical cutting. And when a tree has been pollarded before and the regrowth has been left to run on past its cycle.
Pollarding done incorrectly causes lasting damage. Cutting at the wrong points, using the wrong timing, or failing to maintain the cycle once it’s been started all create problems.
Previously pollarded trees that have been neglected develop heavy, structurally weak branches from the pollard heads. These are more prone to failure than natural growth and become more hazardous the longer they’re left.
The work needs to be carried out by someone who knows the species and understands the cycle.
Neglected pollards don't fail dramatically. They deteriorate gradually, and the problems compound. Here's what typically happens when a pollarded tree is left past its cycle.
Regrowth from pollard heads attaches differently to natural branch growth. The longer it’s left, the heavier and more structurally compromised it becomes. Branch failure from neglected pollards is one of the most common causes of tree-related property damage.
Dense regrowth creates a large surface area that acts against the trunk in high winds. Trees that were stable when maintained can become a genuine hazard once the pollard regrowth matures unchecked.
The further behind the cycle gets, the more work is involved in bringing it back. Heavily neglected trees may need phased restoration across two seasons to avoid putting the tree under excessive stress, which means more time and more cost.
Land owners are responsible for trees on their property. If a branch fails from a tree that was known to be in a neglected pollard cycle, a liability claim or insurance dispute becomes significantly harder to defend.
Buildings and liability insurers routinely reject claims involving trees where the risk was foreseeable. A neglected pollard that causes damage to a vehicle, building, or neighbouring property will be treated as a known, unmanaged risk.
In some cases local councils can issue enforcement notices requiring previously pollarded trees to be maintained on cycle. Failure to act can result in the council arranging the work and recovering costs from the owner.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Every pollarding job starts with a site visit. We assess the tree, confirm the species is suitable, check for Tree Preservation Orders, and provide a written quote. Work does not begin until everything is agreed.
We confirm the tree is suitable for pollarding before work begins. Not all trees tolerate the technique. If something else is a better fit, we'll tell you.
For trees being pollarded for the first time, we set the right height and select the primary branches that form the permanent pollard head. This is the basis for all future management.
Branches are cut back cleanly to the established pollard heads using sharp tools, minimising wound size and promoting rapid healing. All work is carried out to BS 3998 standards.
For trees that have been left beyond their cycle, we carefully remove overgrown regrowth and re-establish the pollard heads. Heavily neglected trees are restored in phases where needed.
All removed material is cleared on the day. Branches are chipped on site where access allows. The site is left clear before we go.
We set the right pollard cycle for your species and can arrange a return visit or ongoing contract to keep the tree on schedule. No chasing required.
Testimonials
Rated 5.0 stars by customers across Carlisle & Cumbria
“Absolutely brilliant service. Quick response and the boys turned up and got on with the difficult job of cutting my tree into firewood for our fire, it was very impressive. Fantastic and I would not hesitate in using them again. Absolutely marvellous”
“Friendly service with the professional know how and equipment to back it up. I Have used whites a few times now from timber harvest and extraction to reduction of view blocking trees in the garden. The full service don’t hesitate to call”
“I would highly recommend White’s Tree Services We had 2 mature trees which were right next to our gable end of the house. Each winter we would worry about how close they were and the damage they would do if a storm brought them down! Well, Joe came highly recommended to us with experience of felling trees so close to buildings. Joe worked skillfully, safely and efficiently to remove the trees!! I can’t fault his work and his team ensured everywhere was left clear and tidy. 5* Highly Recommended”
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