Willow Pollarding in Kidlington, Oxfordshire

We were recently called out to carry out a willow pollard at a residential property in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The tree in question was a large, mature weeping willow that had grown considerably since its last pollard and was in need of being brought back to a manageable size and structure.

As the images show, the work was carried out by one of our tree surgeons working at height within the canopy, with the cut branches and arising debris visible on the ground below. The result is a well-balanced, cleanly pollarded tree that will regenerate vigorously and be easier to maintain going forward.

What Is Tree Pollarding?

Pollarding is a method of tree pruning that involves the removal of the upper branches of a tree back to a predetermined framework of main limbs, typically carried out on a regular cycle of anything from one to several years depending on the species and the desired outcome.

It is one of the oldest forms of tree management practised in the UK, with a history stretching back centuries, and it remains one of the most effective ways of managing the size and shape of large, vigorous trees in domestic gardens and urban environments.

When a tree is pollarded correctly and maintained on a regular cycle, it develops a characteristic knobbly growth point at the end of each main branch, known as a pollard head.

Each season, vigorous new growth emerges from these points, producing a full canopy of fresh young stems that can be cut back again at the appropriate time.

Managed correctly, a pollarded tree can live considerably longer than one left to grow unchecked, as the repeated cutting stimulates new growth and reduces the weight and wind resistance of the canopy.

Why Pollard A Willow Tree?

Weeping willows are one of the most vigorous and fast-growing tree species commonly planted in UK gardens.

Left unpruned, they can reach a very substantial size within a relatively short number of years, with the long, sweeping branches and heavy canopy eventually becoming difficult to manage and potentially problematic in terms of proximity to buildings, fences, underground drainage and neighbouring properties.

The root systems of willows are also vigorous and wide-ranging, meaning that a tree allowed to grow unchecked can cause issues with drainage systems and foundations over time.

Regular pollarding is the most practical and effective way of keeping a weeping willow at a manageable size whilst retaining the tree as a living feature within the garden.

It reduces the overall weight and spread of the canopy, keeps the root system in proportion with the above-ground growth and produces a tree that will continue to provide its characteristic sweeping, graceful form in a controlled way for many years.

Working At Height Safely

Working at height in a tree of this age and scale requires proper training, the correct personal protective equipment and a methodical approach to removing sections in the right order so that the work can be carried out safely without risk to the tree surgeon, the surrounding garden or any structures nearby.

This is kind of work should never be attempted without a properly trained and equipped tree surgery team.

The Result

The finished pollard, visible in the image, shows a clean, well-balanced framework of main branches retained at a manageable height above the ground, with the characteristic fresh cut ends at each pollard point.

The tree will now put its energy into producing vigorous new growth from these points throughout the coming season, and with regular maintenance on an appropriate cycle, it will continue to thrive as a characterful feature of the garden for many years to come.