Re-growth after pollarding a mature hornbeam

[TreeHuggerOrNot]

I'd like to have our hornbeam pollarded, could anybody tell me how much it will grow after a couple of years, then after five years and then ten years? When will the branches be as thick as my arm?

 

We have a big problem with pigeon mess under the tree and am trying to get an idea of how quickly the pigeons will be back.

 

Thanks for any info.

[fagus]

Pruning is only a short term height fix as its size is governed by genetics and soil conditions.Pigeons will watch any pruning going on and be back in about half an hour.

A guess but regrowth will be quick over a metre in a few years and branches will arm thick after ten years.

[peatff]

that's a lovely tree, don't mess with it. get a catapult for the pigeons.

 

Better idea, cats don't get many pigeons but plenty of little wild birds on the floor.

[Jon3012]

I'm a pest controller there are some things that keep them away but generally the deterrent needs moving as they soon get used to it. I would say no professional pest controller would touch that as it will be a hiding to nothing. You could cage trap them with a ladder trap. I don't see a way that shooting them would be legal in that situation. I wouldn't say the droppings were that bad.

 

I'm assuming we are talking about wood pigeons.

[bikewoo]

Wood pigeon or rat type? Why would it not be legal to shoot them in that situation? Could you feed them on the grass area, shoot from a low window? Safe shot?

 

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[AlvinD]

There's plenty more cut it down!

[TreeHuggerOrNot]

I like what you say AlvinD, not sure about the tongue though!

 

We've tried to live with it for three years and I've reached the end of my tolerance. We could grow an evergreen hedge at the back and at least block out that house.

[Adam M]

I like what you say AlvinD, not sure about the tongue though!

 

We've tried to live with it for three years and I've reached the end of my tolerance. We could grow an evergreen hedge at the back and at least block out that house.

 

 

pigeons love nesting in conifer hedges.

[Jon3012]

Wood pigeon or rat type? Why would it not be legal to shoot them in that situation? Could you feed them on the grass area, shoot from a low window? Safe shot?

 

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Assuming they come to the garden to roost they will not spend anytime on the ground. You could feed them onto it but the effect will not be so terminal to prevent them coming back. The legality problem is shooting in the air.

[WoodED]

It's a really nice tree, pollarding it would ruin it and it would never look good again,

 

 

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[Paul Barton]

Welcome to the forum TreeHuggerOrNot.

 

It seems safe to assume that a treehugger you certainly ain't! I'm interested to try and understand your feelings about this tree. The photo you have posted shows a nice looking Hornbeam that must add considerable character to your garden, as well as provide some privacy from the surrounding houses.

 

Is the bird mess the only issue? On balance, it seems like a fairly minor price to pay for such a nice tree.

 

Are their other reasons why you don't like it - leaf debris, shade etc?