Pollarding is a tree pruning process by trimming its crown. The crown of the tree is the part of the plant that represents the above ground that includes the leaves, branches, or stems.

Pollarding is a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, which promotes the growth of a dense head of foliage and branches.

Pollarding also removes lower limbs and any crossing limbs – which is a typical part of tree pruning. It is important to pollard young trees – older trees will take longer to grow back in and fill with greens.

Tree pollarding typically takes place when the tree is dormant. It is therefore common to see trees being pollarded during the early spring months or during winter.

Tree pollarding gives the tree an opportunity to live longer by maintaining them in a partially juvenile state and by reducing the weight and windage of the top part of the tree.