Pollards, the forgotten art-discussion

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Just a few from the archives to refresh our minds of the subject matter!

 

 

 

[RobArb]

i like the last pic

 

on another note got to pollard some pops next week, will try to get pics as and when

[S Fry]

Some of these posted pictures of veteran pollards are absalutely incredible! Many of which I have never even had the close resembelance of meeting face to face. One day I will rectify that fact. In many of these cases I think that the pollard is a viable management technique in the correct circumstance, and especially in the situations where they occur due to natural failures.

 

However, I hate the term, and the work order of 'pollard'. In the vast majority of tree management cases, I truly believe that to 'pollard' the tree on the job is completely lazy, unskilled, unprofessional and far too easy to diagnose. I feel upset and embarassed at times to re-pollard butchered, undignified trees, where the pollard has only encouraged decay and decline in trees where a well thought out and executed reduction would have been a considerably better option. I believe that pollards on trees should only ever be performed as the last ditch management technique, prior to felling, and in more than a few occasions I think that felling and replanting would be a far better option.

 

There is a place for pollards in arboriculture, but in my experience, it should'nt be used half as much as it is. I only hope that this thread does'nt encourage it in the wrong circumstance.

[Bolt]

Just a few from the archives to refresh our minds of the subject matter!.

 

 

That last one looks like a perfect utility reduction.

[David Humphries]

That last one looks like a perfect utility reduction.

 

That last one looks (well, is) a perfect example of a natural failure pollard that is occuring on a species that is supposedly renowned for not being able to fascilitate such a survival strategy.

 

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

That last one looks (well, is) a perfect example of a natural failure pollard that is occuring on a species that is supposedly renowned for not being able to fascilitate such a survival strategy.

 

 

 

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And Ive got a whole load more just the same, all beeches that snapped off in the hurricanes and doing mighty swell, many homes within them too:001_cool:

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Partly in reply to Spartans comments a few posts back I think todays post is as good a reply as I can possibly make, this is a viable method of retention of large old trees, or even only recently matured trees, and especially trees with defects.

 

We HAVE to start accepting this method of retention when there are few other options available, there is simply too many reasons for retaining such trees, far more pros than cons. None of the pros are as significant as the biodiversity allowance, large dysfunctional woody columns are home and fodder to such an enormous variety of life, life that is often as beautiful as any tree in its own right.

 

If as an arboriculturist this tree does not inspire admiration or "natural empathy" then i really do not believe that you can call yourself an arboriculturist. True this is really the arbor-ecology territory, but it shouldn't be, arbor ecology is the way we ALL SHOULD be working, in the woodlands AND in the towns.

 

As a species we can take over land of our choosing, but life, living in our shadow has either to move on or live amoung us, if we dont offer that chance, what does that say about us as an organism?

 

This is how we live in compromise with nature, this is how its done, and if you feel this is not the way forward your missing one of the most rewarding aspects of our working with trees. Open your mind, and embrace not only the tree, but all the life forms that live within and upon these solar powered fountains of life.

 

This tree, a beech that was heavily reduced because it was outgrowing its owners desires was at the time a compromise on removal. It was a pretty severe reduction as you can see from the old pruning wounds. Many would disapprove of that, but what has been achieved in the long term is the retention of a wonderful tree and the creation of a progressive habitat that has proved a viable home for some beautiful fungi (Ganoderma pfiefferi) and in the future maybe a roost site for bats, and certainly much opportunity for invertebrates, and the woodpeckers to feed on.

 

I will discus the decay in "the body language of decay" as this post is getting long, sufice to say this tree is alive, well, as safe as houses and indeed a beautiful tree made all the more wonderful by the wonderful Pfiefferi brackets and the character that comes from the aged tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[David Humphries]

Think that's a really fine piece of work Tony.

 

Encouraging to hear of a client that's willing to manage a tree like this, down.

 

Had the clients lived at the property for a long time ?

 

 

 

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[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Think that's a really fine piece of work Tony.

 

Encouraging to hear of a client that's willing to manage a tree like this, down.

 

Had the clients lived at the property for a long time ?

 

 

 

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since it was built david, and he knows all about the rot, and understands exactly whats going on, even was cute enough to distinguish the reiterating root crown.

 

You see, natural empathy is something that exists, it is naturaly there within us all, some just dont tap in.

 

I love some of our clients, I feel such pride when they trust and understand.

[bumble B]

The ancient pollards that are left today were worth more than money when they were worked. They helped build an empire.

Woodlands and forests in Tudor times were like the timber section at Wickes.

You chose the right shape and size for what you wanted to use it for.

I don't think it was anything romantic, just business because timber was expensive.

Good business's look after their staff. That's what the old woodsman was skilled at.