First pollard of a willow

[stoff101]

Hi all. I have a large willow to pollard for the first time it's a twin stem and remains pretty bare until about 20 ft up. I've re pollarded many willows all be it smaller, and am looking for advice on first time pollard! What should I be aiming for and what should I absolutely not do!?

 

The customer is happy with whatever I decide to do, and I'd love your advice. I appreciate a pic would help.

 

Thanks!

Edited February 9, 2015 by stoff101

[stoff101]

I don't want to make a hatrack of it. So this would mean reducing it back to two stems, basically removing the crown?

[sloth]

Sounds more like topping than pollarding. Have a look in bs3998 for the current best practice for initiating new pollards. That said, the reality is you can cut willow where you like! Make sure to strike a balance between the aesthetics of the anticipated regrowth and leaving an anchor point for when you go back to repollard it

[Macca]

Knock it down to 3 meters then if bits of the regrowth fall off its not too much of a hazard! Head height would be better but will won't look as good!

[stoff101]

Well I'm not looking to top it or do a bad job. That's why I'm asking advice on how you would tackle it. I shall load a pic up tomorrow.

[Mountain man]

Sloth is right.

In reality you can hat rack it and it'll come back a treat.

You're looking to make an omelette, prepare to crack some eggs!

[stoff101]

Ok thanks guys!

[spandit]

Thread hijack alert!

 

I have some willows that were pollarded/topped previous but the regrowth is from all over. If I cut off the lower shoots will they eventually give up to give me a nice pollarded "lollipop" shape?

[Mountain man]

Weeping willow?

[spandit]

Weeping willow?

 

No, think it's grey willow