What is the main goal of basal pollarding?

The main goal of basal pollarding is primarily focused on reviving old trees through cutting. This process involves cutting back trees to a certain height, which stimulates new growth from the base and can rejuvenate the tree. This technique is often used for older trees that may have become overgrown or are struggling to thrive. By encouraging new growth, basal pollarding can help to maintain the tree's health and prolong its lifespan, making it an effective management technique for ancient or neglected trees.

In contrast, while aesthetic purposes play a role in various forms of tree pruning, that is not the primary intent behind basal pollarding. Additionally, basal pollarding is generally not aimed at increasing timber yield, since the focus is on maintaining the tree's vitality rather than promoting it for commercial lumber. Preventing disease spreading could be an indirect benefit of maintaining a tree's vigor, but it is not the central aim of this specific technique. Thus, the approach is fundamentally about cutting to rejuvenate rather than merely for outward appearance or maximizing timber harvest.