Pollarding Trees for Health and Aesthetic Appeal in Torquay
When it comes to maintaining the green sanctuaries around your home or property, tree care is an artwork that requires knowledge, precision, and a touch of creativity. The practice of pollarding, often recognized by its striking, sculptural effect, is a prime example of how arboriculture can merge functional maintenance with landscape design. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the benefits, techniques, and considerations of pollarding, aimed at gardeners and homeowners looking to enhance the vitality and beauty of their arboreal assets.
A Brief Overview of Tree surgery in the South Hams
At its core, pollarding is a pruning practice that involves the removal of the top of a tree to promote dense growth of foliage and branches. It’s not a new technique; in fact, it has been used in many cultures for centuries. Historically, pollarded trees in the South Hams, were valuable for their ability to provide regular sources of firewood, timber, and fodder for grazing animals, while managing crown height in confined urban spaces. Today, pollarding is also revered for its ornamental value, contributing to unique and attractive landscapes.
To pollard a tree, prune the main stem about 6 to 8 feet above the ground, which encourages the growth of a dense head of branches that are removed annually to the same point. This height can vary depending on the type of tree and desired effect. The new regrowth — known as the ‘pollard head’ — is where the plant performs photosynthesis and stores food reserves. The cycle is repeated every few years, depending on the species, until the tree reaches its mature age.
Benefits of Pollarding and Tree Services Torquay
Pollarding is chosen for a variety of reasons, but its universal benefits include maintaining manageable tree sizes, rejuvenating aging trees, encouraging dense and vigorous growth, and shaping for aesthetics. By controlling and directing the growth, pollarding can also help prevent damage from high winds, reduce the weight of large limbs, and ensure trees in Torquay stay healthy and safe.
A Sustainable Approach to Tree Management
One of the key reasons to consider pollarding is its sustainability. Rather than opting for complete tree removal, which may be necessary if a tree has grown too close to a building, causing a potential hazard, pollarding offers a way to coexist with trees in a shared space. It is a method that has stood the test of time for its ability to allow trees to regenerate and mature in a controlled manner.
Enhanced Aesthetics in Your Environment
The visual impact of pollarded trees is nothing short of transforming. The exposed form of the central trunk and the burst of greenery at the top create a statement look, adding architectural interest to any landscape. Whether they’re lining a driveway, gracing a courtyard, or framing a majestic estate, pollarded trees undeniably draw the eye and offer a timeless elegance.
The Right Trees for Pollarding
Not all trees are well-suited for pollarding. The ideal candidates are those that respond well to heavy pruning and are capable of producing vigorous regrowth from old wood, such as:
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• Oak (Quercus spp.): Often chosen for its durability and distinctive form.
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• Elm (Ulmus spp.): A traditional choice for pollarding with its flexible wood.
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• Willow (Salix spp.): Renowned for its rapid growth and weeping habit.
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• Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): Naturally forms a broad, rounded canopy when pollarded.
Choosing a tree that naturally lends itself to the practice will ensure that the process yields the intended results and that the tree remains healthy throughout.
Techniques of Pollarding
The act of pollarding is a craft that involves precise cuts and timing to ensure the best growth and health of the tree. It is typically done during the dormant season to minimize stress and encourage efficient healing of pruning wounds. Here’s a general guideline on how to pollard a tree:
Season and Equipment
Start in late winter, when growth is minimal. Use sharp, sterilized pruning equipment to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of infection.
Initial Pollarding Cut
Making the initial pollarding cut can be one of the most critical steps. Make a clean, diagonal cut to encourage water runoff and prevent disease.
Subsequent Trims
Once the new growth reaches the desired length, usually within the same growing season, carefully trim the shoots back to the original pollarding cut. Ensure each cut is just beyond a bud to encourage strong regrowth.
Post-Pollarding Care
Refrain from over-fertilizing or watering the reinvigorated growth, as this can lead to weak branching. Instead, gradually build up your tree’s capacity to sustain its new growth as it adapts to the reduced crown size.
Common Misconceptions and Concerns
Despite its positive attributes, pollarding is not a one-size-fits-all solution and has its share of misconceptions. Some of the concerns and considerations regarding pollarding include:
Growth Patterns and Timing
The frequency and timing of pollarding cycles must be species-specific. Incorrect application can result in reduced vigor and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Habitat for Wildlife
Consider the ecological implications. Pollarding can impact wildlife that depend on mature tree canopies for habitat and food sources.
Aesthetic and Property Values
Pollarding can be a contentious practice, especially in urban and suburban environments. Ensure that your pollarding choices complement the local aesthetic and conform to any community guidelines.
Real-World Pollarding Examples and Inspiration
To truly understand the impact and versatility of pollarding, it’s beneficial to see examples in various settings. From the meticulously manicured gardens of historic estates, to the public spaces of bustling modern cities, pollarded trees continue to captivate through their visual drama and natural balance. Gain inspiration from these real-world examples to envision how pollarding could add character and charm to your own landscape.
Conclusion
Pollarding is a timeless technique that, when performed with care and expertise, can result in trees that are not only assets to the environment but also works of art. By understanding the principles of pollarding — including its purposes, techniques, and effects — you can elevate your landscape with a lasting and unique arboreal presence. Remember to always consult with an arborist or professional tree care service when considering pollarding, as their expertise can help you make the best decisions for the health and appearance of your trees. Take the first step towards a polarded future and watch your green spaces flourish in ways you never thought possible. Call Topp tree care today for more information on Tree services in Torquay.
Hiring a Qualified Arborist for Tree Services
It is important to hire a qualified arborist when you need professional tree services. A certified arborist like Topp Tree care, has the expertise to assess, diagnose and treat trees correctly, without harming them in any way.
By hiring us, you can trust that your trees will be handled with care and the work will be done to the highest standards. We can offer a range of services, including pollarding, felling and trimming.
Pollarding is a pruning technique which helps to reduce the size of trees while maintaining their overall health and structure. It involves removing most of the branches up to one metre above ground level in order for the tree to re-shoot and become denser.
Felling involves removing trees completely, while trimming refers to cutting back overhanging branches in order to improve safety and prevent damage on your property. Qualified arborists can advise you on the best course of action for your trees depending on their condition and surroundings.
When hiring an arborist, make sure to ask for proof of qualifications and insurance. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your trees will be in safe hands. With their knowledge and experience, they can guarantee the best results for your tree services. Call Topp tree care today for all your Tree services in Torquay.
The Positive Points Of Pruning!
If a tree gets pruned, it will improve the overall look. It will keep the tree looking smart and visually pleasing. However, pruning is needed to keep the tree healthy and safe. Removing the dead timber encourages healthy wood to grow and keeps the branches and roots strong. It can be a hazard if the tree is left alone with any ailments, as any storms can cause these branches to fall on any homes or potentially the unsuspecting people below. Pruning the tree can help to nurse the tree back to health, even after a storm.
Pruning a tree can help spot any fungi that may be damaging it. Catching it early can stop it spreading to the healthy areas of the tree. Thinning the branches out can let sunlight through, as well as improving the flow of air. Pruning can also help the tree to flower and keeps the production of fruit healthy and bountiful. It will also help to keep the tree looking eye catching, almost like it’s getting a haircut! However, it is still possible to over prune a tree, so it is important to call professionals like us in tree services in Torquay, to ensure too much isn’t cut back. We will also know the correct time of year to do it, to keep the tree as healthy as possible.
Pollarding Tall Trees: When To Do It and Why
Trees are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, but if left unchecked can quickly become an eyesore or even a hazard. That’s why it’s important to know when to pollard tall trees. Pollarding is the practice of pruning trees back drastically to promote new growth and maintain the shape of the tree. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when is the best time to pollard tall trees and why it’s important for homeowners to do so.
When To Pollard Your Tree The best time to pollard your tree depends on what type of tree you have. Generally speaking, deciduous trees should be pollarded in late winter or early spring, while coniferous trees should be pollarded in late summer or early fall. One of the most important things to remember when pollarding any tree is that the cuts need to be made just above a bud on the trunk or branch so that new growth can emerge from that spot. If you make your cuts too low, you risk killing your tree since there won’t be enough healthy material remaining for it to regrow from. Why You Should Pollard Your Tree Pollarding offers several benefits for homeowners who want their trees to look their best year-round. Not only does it allow you to control how tall your tree grows and how dense its foliage becomes, but it also helps promote healthy new growth by stimulating dormant buds on the trunk and branches of your tree into action. Additionally, regular pruning can help keep pests and diseases at bay by removing deadwood which can serve as breeding grounds for these unwelcome visitors. Finally, it also reduces risk associated with high winds as well as large accumulations of snow or ice since these forces are less likely to damage a properly managed tree than an unmanaged one.
Pollarding is a great way for homeowners to manage their tall trees while still keeping them looking great all year long! While timing is key when it comes to successful pollarding—it’s important that you know what type of tree you have before attempting any pruning—the end results are usually worth the extra effort. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your garden looking neat without sacrificing its beauty, give pollarding a try! It might just be exactly what your outdoor space needs or call us today for all Tree services in Torquay.
How To Take Care Of Your Garden In A Heatwave
Here are some things you should do, to keep your garden healthy during a heatwave.
You should ensure you only water the plants early in the day or late in the evening. You may need to do a top up, in which case you should make sure you aim the water right at the bottom of the plant, to allow the soil to soak it before it evaporates. However, it is just as important not to overwater a plant.
Compost can be used to keep moisture in and help the roots to keep cool. Any roots that are in the direct sunlight can burn, so this is important. Don’t use fertiliser at this time though, as they will need more water to help them absorb it.
You should move any portable plants into shade, to keep them from drying out. If you can’t move them, then adding your own shade with a cloth or sheet of some sort, will make do until it is cooler. You may have a green house, but a greenhouse can be even hotter on the inside in these temperatures.
If you have a water butt, you can collect any rainwater to reuse for your plants. If you need a tree surgeon in the South Hams or Torbay, call us today.
Tree-mendous Trivia!
Trees are an important part of the environment, with their highly beneficial nature on our planet. Did you know that nowadays over 3 trillion trees exist? Originally we had 6 trillion, but over time many trees have been destroyed due to the development of cities and urban life. Out of 60,000 species, there are 300 critically at risk. Many of these species live in one country too, so they must be protected from diseases and deforestation.
Did you know that trees can communicate with each other? Not only can they ‘speak’, they can also share their nutrients with each other, using ‘mycorrhiza’. This is a special sort of fungus within their roots. Trees that live in forests can share both carbon and water, due to their root connection. Another tree fact is the colour of their leaves change due to chlorophyll, a chemical that changes the colour depending on the season and how much sunshine there is. It is vital that all work should be carried out by trained professionals, for the sake of the tree and for safety of the public, call Topp Tree Care for all Tree felling in Torquay.
The Benefits Of Crown Lifting
Sometimes when you’re on a walk, you may notice you have to duck under branches. This is due to trees growing to the point where they take up a lot of the area between the low branches and the ground. If this happens then it is time to give the tree a crown lift.
Crown lifting is beneficial, as safety wise it will stop the branches from pushing against buildings and potential traffic that may pass by. It will help to provide a higher canopy (with more natural light) for people to walk underneath, as well as opening up the view to make it more visually pleasing.
Before work begins, the tree will be inspected first to check which branches will be taken away or pruned. It is best to get a professional to do this, due to the danger it may cause the tree if it is not done properly. For instance, if a large branch is removed when it shouldn’t be, then the trunk can be damaged and cause it to start decaying. So, by hiring a professional, you can be assured that the work will be done safely and efficiently. Call Topps Tree Care for all Tree Surgery in the South Hams and Torquay.
Is My Tree Diseased?
Trees are a crucial factor in the world, being part of the ecosystem. Birds and animals live amongst the environment within the habitat that the tree provides for them. Trees also give sustenance and oxygen, as well as keeping the atmosphere clean. Fuel is also provided, to help warm our families. However, by bringing in new trees and treating the environment badly, there is a chance to cause diseases and pests becoming an infestation.
It is unlikely that a tree has never had a disease whilst it has been alive, due to the variety of organisms that use the tree as a habitat. Even with these pathogens though, they can still live alongside them happily as a part of normality. Unfortunately, though, some diseases can develop before they have a chance to cope.
Signs to look out for are colour changes and blotchy sections, as well as dead areas on the leaves (‘leaf blight’) or leaves falling off (‘defoliation’). Trees can have decay, developing fungus and issues with their branches, abrasions and disappearance of bark. Once a disease has been successfully decided, fungicides can be used to help counter it. The roots and soil can have it injected into them, as well as the tree itself. Pruning and fertilisation are other methods that can be used to decrease the chance of disease. It is best to ask an expert for help, as their advice will be experienced and thorough. They will be able to give you reassurance, particularly if there is a risk of danger. The job will be in safe hands and you can relax knowing your garden won’t become a potential hazard, for more information on Tree services in Torquay, call Topp tree care today.
The Importance Of Trees
Trees are a very important to our environment, as they provide oxygen, store carbon away, sustain soil and provide habitats for animals and other wildlife. They also give the materials we need for everyday life. It is important that trees are cared for and maintained.
Trees help to filter dust and pollution from the atmosphere, as well as giving shade and decreasing noise levels. Many different species of trees in the UK have medicinal potential. For example, birch bark oil has antiseptic abilities. Trees are also known to help bring stress and blood pressure down.
Trees help to slow the development of global warming, due to absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it in the wood. They can help lower the speed of wind and keep the air cool around them, reflecting heat from their foliage. In a city, trees can potentially lower the temperature up to 7° C. They can also absorb heavy rainwater, helping to stop floods and erosion of soil.
Whilst trees are new, they can give food and shelter to many creatures, such as insects, fungi, birds and different lichens. When they are ancient, their hollow trunks can provide homes for owls, bats and beetles. In fact, it could have up to 500 separate species living in it.
Due to the quantity of people living in cities rather than the countryside, trees and parks will soon be an even more integral addition to city life. As long as trees are kept safe and respected, they can bring many benefits to us and the environment for a long time. Call us today for all Tree services in Torquay.
Why Are Tree Surveys Important?
Trees are an important part of the environment, so it’s critical we have surveys done. Surveys can give important data on their condition and if there is a risk to any property or land they are on. For instance, someone might want to know the risk of subsidence in their home, or if there is the potential of any harm coming to endangered species (such as bats).
Someone could be interested to see what age the tree is, what sort of tree it is and if there are any animals living in it, as the tree would need extra care. Tree Surveys can help someone to look after the tree and any creatures that depend on it to survive.
Trees that are within a town or land need to be able to meet health and safety conditions. Trees can sometimes be a hazard, so a survey can be done to avoid danger to lives.
When planning a survey it is best to use an expert, as they will know what to look for to help keep the environment and inhabitants safe. Call us for all types of Tree services in Torquay.
Free Trees For Torbay
In a new scheme by Torbay Council and the Devon Wildlife Trust, someone living in Torbay could possibly get a free tree. The ‘Saving Devon’s Treescapes’ project, have species such as Rowan, Crab Apple and Oak to give away. They will also provide a guide on aftercare and how to plant them.
Trees can be claimed by making an appointment at the Recycling Centre. There are 300 to give away. These trees are being given away, because of the fungus disease ‘Ash Dieback’ being expected to affect the land in the future. This a serious problem for ash trees that can cause leaves to wilt and potential death for the tree.
Tree planting is a way of reducing the carbon footprint in the world, and can help to fight climate change, as they naturally take carbon dioxide in and release oxygen.
Trees are available on this scheme from the 16th of March 2021. For more advice on tree services in Torquay, call Topp Tree Care on 01803 404697.
National Tree Week
From the 27th of November until the 5th of December 2021 it is National Tree Week. This is a yearly occasion which highlights the beginning of the tree planting winter season. It is a way of celebrating community spirit, as trees are planted over the country.
This has been celebrated since 1975 in order to inspire us to enjoy our amazing environments for the week, and a way to do this is to have our own trees to plant. After all, trees are integral to the well being of our planet. They are known as the worlds lungs, and are needed for animals and the environment to survive.
So, with organisation from the Tree Council and many schools, fun public events provide information and awareness of the amazing work that is carried out, to make sure that our trees and the areas that surround them are kept healthy and admired in generations to come. For Emergency Tree work in Teignmouth and Torbay call us today.
Storm Ellen causes havoc
Severe weather warnings were issued on August 21 st as Storm Ellen hit the Deon countryside.Reports of a fallen in the region as Storm Ellen brings havoc to Devon.
Strong winds hit the County early in the morning and reports of fallen trees in Exeter and along the M5 kept the Emergency services busy trying to keep traffic moving.
A large tree was blown down in Station Road, Sidmouth causing the road to be closed for a number of hours while workmen tried to clear up the tree and debris.
For local expert advice on all Tree services in Devon call Topp Tree Care.
