Advice on Willow re-pollard. The options?

[Gardenscape]

Can you please advise?

 

I have a customer who is really keen for me to do the work on her willow tree, but I'm still unsure what is the best way to re-pollard the tree. The problem is that there are no suitable anchor points for me to get the rope anywhere near the top for my main anchor, and I wouldn't be comfortable using ladders, I really do not like using ladders. With it being willow and brittle I want to be certain my main anchor is around something sufficient in diameter. I can get into the lower part of the tree, but from that point I am stumped.

 

My only other realistic option would probably be to spike to the top, install my main anchor and then remove the spikes. I don't really want to use spikes on a tree that isn't being removed. Also some of the height is being brought down a few feet below the previous pollard so it will be probably be inevitable for me to have to spike it. The bark looks to be thick so I can't imagine to much damaged would be done. I may be wrong.

 

Your thoughts would be very helpful.

 

Thanks, Dan.

 

[htb]

Install a choked off sling and a pulley as your top anchor. To give your feet some purchase can use a choked off sling as a foot hold or just use the friction of your soles. Job done

[Stubby]

Go up each stem with your flip line and cut it off at the old wound points .

[woody paul]

From the look of it stand at lower pollard height and cut it about 4 foot up 8 cuts job done.

[benedmonds]

I am fairly sure I quoted to pollard that tree

[Thesnarlingbadger]

Use slings for foot holds for the central stem, and then anchor in using a sling and carabiner coked around that stem as an anchor point.

[Gardenscape]

You may of. It is around your end, Ben. Good advice guys. So, is that a no, no on the spikes?

[sean]

You may of. It is around your end, Ben. Good advice guys. So, is that a no, no on the spikes?

 

A big no no:thumbdown:

[Mick Dempsey]

Spike it.

[TIMON]

Ladder to access and establish main anchor. Remove ladder , make your cuts around the outer stems. Leave the central stem 'til last and use chokered slings as foot holds.