Torbay is extremely fortunate in containing large numbers of pollarded trees within its boundaries; contributing as they do too many diverse benefits ranging from their visual and aesthetic value, as well as helping to increase biodiversity by providing food sources and valuable shelter for wildlife and even helping us in our goals of climate change mitigation.

Pollarding should not be confused with either topping or lopping which can be described as the removal of large diameter upper branches in order to reduce the height of a tree considerably. This is poor practice and usually creates large wounds, which often allow decay to invade the tree. New branches are often weak and break off after a few years. Topping looks unattractive, leaving the tree with a stunted appearance.

8861

Pollarding Policy
This policy explains why and how we pollard trees in Torbay.