Pollards, the forgotten art-discussion

[skyhuck]

Can anyone enlighten me about my earlier questions?

 

How old are trees usually (as a minimum) before they can be pollarded? How does pollarding relate to coppicing in terms of suitable tree species and also habitat offered for fungi/beetles etc? As well as eventual timber output?

 

As I understand thing, a "true" pollard should be started when the tree is very young.

 

Most of what is done in the name of pollarding is actually "topping"

 

I think we tend to use the term pollarding if there is going to be a program of re-cutting (back to a knuckle) on a annual or bi-annual basic.

[Kat1e]

How young? I am interested in setting up some pollard or coppice areas in woodland.

[skyhuck]

How young? I am interested in setting up some pollard or coppice areas in woodland.

 

I think 7 years, but I'm not certain.

 

A "true" pollard does not have all the rot and cavity's that are so helpful to assorts of invertebrates and other creatures, they benefit far more from topped trees that are then maintained.

Edited December 22, 2009 by skyhuck

[Kat1e]

Excellent, that suits the area I have in mind very well then!

[David Humphries]

Can anyone enlighten me about my earlier questions?

 

How old are trees usually (as a minimum) before they can be pollarded? How does pollarding relate to coppicing in terms of suitable tree species and also habitat offered for fungi/beetles etc? As well as eventual timber output?

 

15cm dbh (15 years old) for cuttting maidens, but have read this can be extended up to 50 -60 dbh.

 

There has been some interesting experimemts at Burnham Beeches with creating pollards using an axe.

 

& just look what magnificent structures of biomechanical wonder they can become

[Kat1e]

Thank you both for the info, much appreciated! I have an area of trees approx. 12 years old so hopefully will be able to do something with them.

[Kat1e]

MonkeyD, what was the thinking behind using an axe? Interesting pics, thanks.

[Stephen Blair]

dave is on an hourly rate so why use a chainsaw:biggrin:

 

maybe for the more natural look:confused1:

[Kat1e]

Ha ha I think the first reason is excellent!

[Al Duffill]

Back to the photo, as I see it, it is a veteran oak, possibly an old pollard. The bough has weakened due to fungi doing its thing and has probably been living with the tree for years and will continue to do so. The tree will continue to live, I see it as a survival method, there is less to support so it will survive a little longer. All very hunky dory ( now theres a strange couple of words! )