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.

[TreeHuggerOrNot]

No TPO which surprised us, there are other TPO'd trees nearby though.

 

We will try the spikes on certain branches (although they perch quite high) and try a trap I found on the web (the trap man), it is not only the neighbours that make the lethal option difficult but having smallish children around a lot. We can tell the children they are being re-homed . Perhaps my aim needs to be better as my husband is out when my children are out!

 

I have wondered about bird scarers as well as farmers use them.

 

The arbour is a possibility but will cost a lot and I wouldn't want a carport looking thing. It is very shady there in summer so not a lot might grow. The David Austen garden sounds like a good place to visit. It would be a lovely spot to sit there at the back if one didn't think something would land on ones head!

 

All mess now gone (for a day or so) due to a patio wash by my husband

 

I will remove this thread (I think I read I can do that) when there are no more responses/ideas due to incriminating evidence!