Glossary of Terms

Q What is Pollarding?

A Originally used to stop cattle browsing new growth, pollarding is the periodic removal of all branches at a given height (often 8 - 10 feet) leaving a clean stem. Carried out in the winter, this encorages the tree to generate new growth; traditionally used for cattle feed, fencing, firewood, and craft work. 

Q What is Coppicing?

A Very similar to pollarding except that no trunk is left, encoraging the tree to re-generate just above ground level. Suitable when no animals are present and makes management easier than Pollarding. Often carried out on willow, sweet chestnut, ash or hazel.

Q What does crown lifting mean?

A Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest limbs to any convenient height. Commonly used to improve access or to increase light.

Q What do you mean by crown reduction?

A Crown reduction is the shortening of all the main branches in the crown (only) of the tree, to leave the appearance of the tree similar, to the original shape but reduced in size. 

Q What is crown thinning?

A Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches within the crown to allow the passage of more light and air through. Usually expressed in percentage terms. e.g. 20%. Often carried out in conjunction with crown reduction.

Q What is bracing?

A Bracing is a means of supporting weaknesses in trees. It used to be done with steel cables or rods etc, but now more commonly by synthetic cables. Many different systems  are available.
Usefull in specimen trees where other methods may spoil the look of the tree but needs regular maintenance

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