horse chestnut pollard

[DWestbrook]

I attempted to pollard a horse chestnut yesterday that had only a single pollard knuckle from previous work on one larger scaffold branch and all other growth from other main branches exceeding 12 foot and growing vertically.

In order to balance the tree both now and for future growth, i chose to dispense with the pollard knuckle, and cut the remaining scaffold branches back to approximate equal lengths at previous growth points.

It really looks like its been topped rather than pollarded now...(probably because it has!)

 

My concerns are for the health of the tree, given the nature of the cuts, and size(upto 7 inches in diameter in one case)...and doubt for any future growth that could establish a canopy, or at least some leaf, rather than water shoots.

 

How do I establish a healthy, maintainable pollard, when there are no previous knuckles?...I was on the A4 around hammersmith at the weekend and saw some fabulous looking pollards, would be great to learn how to do them well.

 

This tree is about thirty five years, I opted to attempt the pollard so a manageable screen could be encouraged between adjoining rear gardens, in favour of the customers suggestion to leave a standing pole.

 

Thanks

 

Darren.

Edited January 28, 2015 by DWestbrook

[treesrus]

i pollarded a young HC about 10 years back, cut back the main trunk (9" diam) to about 8' off the ground, originally was going to kill it off, but use the stem to tie on a washing line. The HC reacted so vigorously that i have been cutting it back it every year since and it has now developed some good pollard knuckles. the fresh growth are always water shoots, but that is the nature (and reason) for pollarding.

the main issue is having the patience to establish that good looking pollard, it will take years...

[DWestbrook]

Thanks for reply...seems im in with a shout then.