Tree surgeons & landscapers · Hampton, Twickenham & TW · Open Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

07810 540893

Pollarded tree in a front garden

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Tree surgeons · Hampton & Twickenham

Tree Pollarding in Hampton, Twickenham & the TW Area

Expert pollarding and re-pollarding of limes, planes, willows and other suitable trees, keeping them compact and healthy for years.

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Pollarding by Arbor & Stone

Pollarding is a traditional pruning technique that cuts a tree’s branches back to a permanent framework of “knuckles” or pollard heads. The tree then regrows a crown of new shoots, which are cut back again on a regular cycle. It keeps trees compact in small gardens and on streets – you will see many pollarded limes and London planes across Twickenham and Richmond.

Pollarded tree in a back garden beside a house

Is pollarding right for your tree?

Pollarding suits species that respond vigorously to hard pruning, such as lime, London plane, willow, sycamore, mulberry, catalpa and Indian bean trees. It is best started when a tree is young and then kept up for the rest of its life.

Starting to pollard a large, mature tree that has never been pollarded is risky – the big cuts can let in decay – so in that situation we will usually recommend a crown reduction instead.

Maintaining existing pollards

Once a tree has been pollarded it needs to be re-pollarded regularly, usually every one to three years depending on the species and how fast it grows. Leaving it too long allows heavy branches to develop on weak attachment points, which can then split out. We cut back to the existing pollard heads without damaging them, so the tree keeps its shape.

When to pollard

Pollarding is best done in late autumn and winter while the tree is dormant. We collect and chip all the arisings and leave the garden or street tidy.

Recent pollarding work

Pollarding – frequently asked questions

How often does a pollarded tree need cutting?

Usually every one to three years, depending on the species and growth rate. Regular re-pollarding keeps the tree healthy and safe.

Will pollarding kill my tree?

No – suitable species regrow strongly after pollarding. Problems happen when a mature tree is pollarded for the first time, or when an established pollard is neglected for many years.

Which trees can be pollarded?

Lime, London plane, willow, sycamore, mulberry, catalpa and several other species respond well. Most conifers, birch and beech do not.

Can you pollard an old tree that has never been pollarded?

Generally we do not recommend it. A crown reduction is usually a safer way to reduce the size of a mature tree.

Our other services

Climber dismantling a tall conifer section by section in a back garden

Tree Removal

Safe felling and sectional dismantling of dead, dangerous or unwanted trees, with full clear-up.

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Climber carrying out a crown reduction beside a semi-detached house

Crown Reduction

Reduce the height and spread of an overgrown tree while keeping its natural shape.

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Pine tree crown lifted to clear a garden building

Crown Lifting

Remove lower branches to bring light into the garden and give clearance over drives and paths.

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Tree removal in progress in a back garden

Stump Grinding

Grind stumps below ground level so the area can be turfed, paved or replanted.

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Long laurel hedge trimmed flat and square

Hedge Trimming

Regular trimming, height reductions and topiary shaping, with all waste taken away.

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Newly laid striped lawn and patio after landscaping

Landscaping

Patios, paving, turf, artificial grass, fencing and full garden makeovers.

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Large tree sections being removed over a garden wall

Emergency Tree Work

Making fallen, split and storm-damaged trees safe, then clearing everything away.

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Get your free, no-obligation quote

Call 07810 540893, send photos on WhatsApp, or tell us about the job online. We cover Hampton, Twickenham and everywhere within 15 miles.