How To Pollard A Cherry Tree
Pollarding a cherry tree is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to produce superior fruit and for its aesthetic value in pruning. This method of pruning can increase the number of crop yields and helps with the growth of trees by controlling their size. It is also an economical way to manage a tree’s natural resources, including water, nutrient and sunlight.
Pollarding is a technique that involves cutting off the branches and shoots of a tree to the trunk or main stem. This method of pruning should take into account the type of cherry tree being pollarded, as well as the age of the tree and the environment in which it is planted. Before pollarding a cherry tree, it is important to look at the tree’s growth rate and condition to determine if it is healthy enough to be pruned.
Choosing The Right Cherry Tree
It is important to select a cherry tree that is suitable for pollarding. The growth of a cherry tree is determined by its species and where it has been planted, which is why choosing the right tree is critical when it comes to pollarding. For example, if a cherry tree is planted in a warm climate with plenty of sun, then it will likely require more pollarding than other species. It is also important to think about the age of the tree. Generally, cherry trees should not be pollarded until they are at least five years old.
Tools Needed For Pollarding
When pollarding a cherry tree, there is a range of tools that will be needed in order to achieve the best results. These tools should include pruning shears, loppers and saws. It is important to make sure that the tools being used are sharp and in good condition. This will ensure that the cuts made on the tree are clean and precise.
Pollarding Technqiue
When pollarding a cherry tree, it is important to use a technique that will reduce the amount of damage to the branches and leaves of the tree. This technique should involve cutting off the branches and shoots to the trunk or main stem, whilst leaving some of the shoots intact. This will ensure that the tree has enough buds for regrowth and will prevent the tree from becoming overgrown.
Care After Pollarding
It is important to care for the tree after it has been pollarded. This includes cleaning up any debris from the trimmed branches and monitoring the tree for any signs of stress. It is also important to water the tree generously to ensure that it remains healthy and to feed it with a balanced fertilizer.
Preventing Disease and Pests
When pollarding a cherry tree, it is important to take steps to prevent any potential diseases or pests that could affect the tree. This includes keeping the pruning tools clean and sanitized, as well as regularly removing any dead or diseased branches. Moreover, it is important to avoid over pruning the tree, which can increase the risk of diseases.
The Benefits of Pollarding
Pollarding a cherry tree has a range of benefits, including an increase in the number of crop yields and a longer lifespan for the tree. This technique also helps to control the size of the tree, which can help to reduce the amount of sunlight that is blocked by the branches. Furthermore, this method can help to reduce the amount of maintenance and pruning that is required in order to keep the tree healthy and well maintained.
Finding An Experienced Arborist
It is important to find an experienced arborist when pollarding a cherry tree. An arborist is an expert in tree care who has the knowledge and skills to prune a tree in a way that will not jeopardize its wellbeing. This may include assessing the tree’s condition, offering advice on the best methods of pruning and providing guidance on how to care for the tree after it has been pollarded.
Conclusion
Pollarding is an excellent technique that can be used to produce superior fruit, increase the number of crop yields and help with the growth of a cherry tree. However, in order to ensure that the tree remains healthy and strong, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is conducted properly. This includes selecting the right tree for pollarding, using the correct tools and finding an experienced arborist to oversee the process.
