Month: November 2025

If you’re a Kent homeowner and want to know more about pollarding then you’re in the right place!

Pollarding is a pruning technique with a long history in the UK. You may have seen pollarded limes or planes lining streets in Canterbury or Maidstone or mature willows shaped this way near Ashford and Tunbridge Wells. But what actually is pollarding and why is it used?

This blog will walk you through the purpose of pollarding, when it’s appropriate and how it benefits trees and homeowners.

Understanding pollarding

Pollarding is the practice of removing the upper branches of a tree to encourage a dense, controlled head of new growth. It’s carried out by making cuts at a specific height (usually above human reach) to limit the size of the tree and maintain its structure year after year. It’s important to note pollarding is only suitable for certain species, such as:

• Lime (Tilia)
• Plane (Platanus)
• Willow
• Poplar
• Ash (traditional pollards)

Attempting to pollard the wrong species or at the wrong time can severely damage or destabilise the tree.

Why is pollarding used for homes in Kent?

Pollarding has several practical and aesthetic benefits:

Controls tree size, making it ideal for gardens or streets where space is limited.

Reduces shade, allowing more light into gardens and homes.

Prevents branches overextending, decreasing the risk of breakage.

Encourages fresh, healthy regrowth, which can improve overall appearance.

Minimises conflicts with buildings, roads, footpaths or overhead wires.

In many built-up parts of Kent, such as Whitstable or central Canterbury, pollarding is one of the best ways to manage trees that would otherwise grow too large for their surroundings.

When should pollarding be done?

Timing is crucial. Pollarding is typically carried out in winter, when the tree is dormant or early spring, depending on the species. Some key guidelines include:

First-time pollarding must be done with care, as it sets the structure for all future cycles.

Once a tree has been pollarded, it should be maintained regularly, often every 1–3 years.

Mature trees should not be “pollarded” suddenly if they have never been managed this way before; this can cause shock or structural failure.

How the pollarding process works

Here’s what you can expect from the process:

Assessment: We look at species, age, condition and previous management to check if pollarding is suitable.

Planning the cuts: Pollarding requires strategically placed cuts at a consistent height to encourage balanced regrowth.

Carrying out the work: Our team removes specific branches while maintaining the structure that will support future cycles of growth.

Ongoing maintenance: Pollarded trees need regular follow-up work to keep them healthy and safe.

The benefits of pollarding for Kent homeowners

Pollarding offers a number of helpful benefits, particularly for properties where space is limited or where a tree has begun to outgrow its surroundings.

By keeping the tree’s size under control, pollarding allows more light into your garden and reduces the likelihood of branches encroaching on buildings, boundaries or public pathways. It also helps prevent limbs from becoming overextended and prone to failure, which is especially important in areas of Kent that experience strong winds or confined garden spaces.

When carried out correctly and maintained over time, pollarding can actually improve the long-term health of suitable species. The regular cycle of removing and renewing growth encourages a strong framework and can give the tree a neater, more uniform appearance.

For many homeowners, this combination of practicality, safety and aesthetics makes pollarding a reliable and effective way to manage trees that would otherwise become unmanageable.

Is pollarding right for your tree?

Pollarding is an excellent management technique but only when applied to the right species, at the right time and with a long-term plan. If you’re unsure, we can assess your tree and advise on the best approach.

Our team at About Trees regularly carry out pollarding for homeowners across Kent, including Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Whitstable and Tunbridge Wells.

In summary

Pollarding is a skilled, ongoing tree management technique that helps control size, improve safety and enhance appearance. With expert care, it can keep suitable trees healthy and manageable for decades. If you’d like advice on whether pollarding is appropriate for your tree, contact our team for honest, expert advice.

We’ll visit your site, assess the tree and recommend the best course of action for your situation.

If you’re a Kent homeowner and want to know more about tree felling then you’re in the right place!

A clear guide to understanding when and why trees are safely removed trees bring huge value to our gardens – structure, shade, character and wildlife. But there are times when a tree becomes unsafe or unsuitable for its location and removal becomes the most responsible option. That’s where tree felling comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explain what tree felling involves, when it’s needed, and how the process works, so you know what to expect if you’re considering this service on your property in Kent.

Understanding tree felling

Tree felling is the careful removal of a tree, carried out by qualified arborists using specialist techniques and equipment. While the term may sound dramatic, the goal is always the same: to remove the tree in the safest and most controlled way possible.

Felling may involve cutting the tree at its base (known as a straight fell) but in most domestic gardens (especially those in towns like Whitstable, Maidstone or Canterbury) this isn’t feasible due to limited space. Instead, arborists use a method called sectional dismantling, where the tree is taken down piece by piece.

No two tree felling jobs are the same. The size of the tree, location, species and nearby hazards all determine the safest approach.

When is tree felling needed?

Tree felling is usually considered a last resort, but there are clear situations where it becomes necessary:

The tree is dead or dying and poses a safety risk, structural defects (such as large cracks, decay, or root failure) make the tree unstable, storm damage has compromised the tree beyond repair, the tree has outgrown its space causing problems for buildings, driveways or neighbours, disease or pests are present and removing the tree prevents further spread or a tree is blocking planned construction such as extensions or landscaping work.

In Kent, we often see felling required for species like Leylandii, ash (due to ash dieback) and older garden trees that have become too large for tight spaces. If removal is recommended, it’s always because keeping the tree presents a higher risk than taking it down.

How the tree felling process works

At About Trees, tree felling begins long before the first cut is made. Here’s what you can expect:

Assessment & safety survey: We visit your property to assess the tree, surrounding space, and access. We look for decay, hazards and structural issues and determine whether felling is the safest option.

Planning & quotation: You’ll receive a clear breakdown of the work required, along with any permissions needed (e.g. conservation areas or Tree Preservation Orders).

Tree removal: Depending on the location, this may involve straight felling in open areas, dismantling the tree in sections and rigging techniques to lower branches safely. Every cut is controlled to protect your property and surroundings.

Clearing & stump options: Timber can be removed or left on site, depending on your needs. We can also arrange stump grinding if you’d prefer a clean, level finish.

The benefits of tree felling for Kent homeowners

Tree felling offers several key advantages including including keeping your property safe, ensuring controlled removal with minimal disruption, reducing the risk of falling branches or sudden tree failure, allowing homeowners to replant more suitable species all whilst complying with regulations and best industry practice.

While cable bracing can extend the life of a tree for many years, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a permanent fix. Regular inspections are essential to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.

Is tree felling right for your situation?

If you’re worried about a tree on your property, it’s always worth arranging an expert inspection. Many trees can be managed through pruning, crown reduction or bracing but if removal is the safest option, we’ll explain why.

Our team at About Trees work across Kent, supporting homeowners in Canterbury, Ashford, Whitstable, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and surrounding areas.

In summary

Tree felling is a safe, controlled process used when a tree becomes hazardous or unsuitable. With the right assessment, planning and expertise, it ensures your property stays safe while opening opportunities for replanting and future growth.With expert care, it can keep suitable trees healthy and manageable for decades. If you’d like advice on whether tree felling is appropriate at your Kent property, contact our team for honest, expert advice.