What does the practice of pollarding involve?

Pollarding is a specific tree management technique that involves pruning a tree to maintain a desired height. This is achieved by making repeated cuts at a specific height, which allows the tree to develop a crown of leaves and branches above the cut. This method not only controls the size of the tree but also encourages new growth, resulting in a bushier appearance over time.

By keeping the tree shorter, pollarding can be useful in urban settings where space is limited, and it also reduces the risk of branches breaking off in storms due to the lower center of gravity. Furthermore, this practice can promote tree health and vitality since it encourages the growth of new shoots, which can enhance the tree's overall structure and appearance.

This technique is distinct from other tree management practices like removing all leaves, which would harm the tree's ability to photosynthesize and thrive. Similarly, planting new trees or grafting species involves entirely different horticultural processes that do not pertain to the maintenance of existing trees in terms of height and physical structure.