Techniques for Pollarding Fruit Trees to Boost Yield

Pollarding is a traditional pruning technique that has been used for centuries to manage tree size, shape, and productivity. When applied correctly, pollarding fruit trees can significantly enhance their health and fruit yield. This article dives deep into the techniques of pollarding fruit trees, explaining how this method works, its benefits, and step-by-step instructions to help gardeners and orchardists maximize their harvest.

What is Pollarding?

Pollarding involves cutting back a tree’s branches to a set height or “head” annually or biennially. Unlike coppicing, which cuts the tree near the ground, pollarding is performed higher up on the trunk or main branches. This encourages a dense growth of new shoots from the pollard point, controlling the tree’s size and promoting vigorous growth.

Originally used to produce fodder, firewood, or wood products, pollarding has gained popularity in fruit tree management because it helps maintain tree health and improves fruit production by regulating sunlight penetration and air circulation within the canopy.

Why Pollard Fruit Trees?

1. Control Tree Size

Fruit trees that grow unchecked can become large and sprawling, making harvesting difficult and reducing productivity. Pollarding keeps the tree at an accessible height and manageable size regardless of its natural growth habit.

2. Promote Vigorous Growth

Cutting back branches through pollarding stimulates the tree’s latent buds to produce vigorous new shoots. These shoots often bear more flowers and consequently more fruit than older wood.

3. Improve Sunlight Penetration and Airflow

Dense canopies can shade inner branches, reducing photosynthesis and increasing disease risk due to poor airflow. Pollarding opens up the canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach all parts of the tree and improving air circulation.

4. Increase Longevity and Health

Regular removal of old wood reduces the risk of disease buildup and pest infestations in aging branches. This rejuvenates the tree and extends its productive lifespan.

5. Facilitate Harvesting and Maintenance

Smaller trees with structured branches are easier to spray, prune further, inspect for pests or diseases, and harvest fruit, especially important in commercial orchards.

Best Fruit Trees for Pollarding

Not all fruit trees respond well to pollarding; those with strong regrowth ability are ideal candidates. Suitable species include:

• Apple (Malus domestica)
• Pear (Pyrus communis)
• Mulberry (Morus spp.)
• Fig (Ficus carica)
• Plum (Prunus domestica)
• Some varieties of cherry (Prunus avium)

Citrus fruits generally do not tolerate heavy pruning like pollarding well, as they have different growth habits.

When to Pollard Fruit Trees

Timing is critical in pollarding to avoid stressing the tree or reducing next season’s crop:

• Dormant Season: Late winter or early spring before bud break is ideal since the tree is less active, reducing sap loss.
• Avoid Flowering Period: Pruning during flowering can remove developing fruits or buds.
• After Fruit Harvest: For some species like figs, pollarding after harvest can encourage strong regrowth for the next season.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pollarding Fruit Trees

Step 1: Plan Your Pollard Height

Decide on a uniform height where you will make your cuts, usually between 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). This height balances accessibility with sufficient space for new growth.

Step 2: Prepare Tools

Use clean, sharp tools such as pruning saws, loppers, or secateurs depending on branch thickness. Sterilize blades with alcohol or bleach solution to minimize disease transmission.

Step 3: Remove Dead or Diseased Wood

Start by cutting away any dead, damaged, or diseased branches from the canopy. This reduces infection risks when you begin heavier cuts.

Step 4: Cut Back Main Branches to Pollard Point

Identify the main scaffold branches or trunk below your chosen height. Cut these back severely to just above a healthy bud or branch union at the pollard height. Make clean cuts at roughly a 45-degree angle away from buds.

Step 5: Remove Lower Branches if Needed

Clear any shoots or suckers growing below your pollard point so that all energy focuses on regrowth above this level.

Step 6: Manage New Shoots Annually

In subsequent years, young shoots growing from the head should be selectively thinned. Retain about 3-5 strong shoots per branch area to encourage healthy fruiting spurs while removing weak or crowded growth.

Aftercare Tips Post-Pollarding

• Watering: Provide adequate moisture after pruning especially during dry spells to support vigorous regrowth.
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizers high in nitrogen in early spring post-pollard to stimulate shoot development.
• Mulching: Use mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
• Pest & Disease Monitoring: Newly exposed wood can be vulnerable; keep an eye on signs of infection or infestation.
• Support Young Branches: If new shoots become heavy with fruit later in the season, consider tying them for additional support.

Potential Challenges and How to Mitigate Them

Excessive Sap Bleeding

Some species like maples may bleed sap heavily after pollarding if done too early. To reduce sap flow:

• Delay pruning until late winter when sap movement slows.
• Avoid cutting large branches all at once; spread work over years if possible.

Overstressing Old Trees

Very mature trees may not respond well to drastic cuts; instead:

• Gradually reduce canopy size over several seasons.
• Combine pollarding with other pruning methods like thinning cuts.

Reduced Early Yields

It may take one or two seasons before significant increases in yield are seen following pollarding due to initial shock. Patience is essential.

Conclusion

Pollarding is a highly effective technique for managing fruit trees by controlling their size, encouraging vigorous growth, improving light penetration, and ultimately boosting yields. When executed correctly and at appropriate times of year, it can extend the productive life of your orchard trees while simplifying maintenance tasks such as harvesting.

By understanding which species respond best to pollarding and following proper pruning protocols coupled with attentive aftercare, gardeners and commercial growers alike can enjoy healthier trees bearing abundant fruit year after year.

References & Further Reading

• Hartmann, H.T., Kester D.E., Davies F.T., Geneve R.L., Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices, 8th Edition
• Royal Horticultural Society Guide on Pruning Fruit Trees
• University Cooperative Extension Publications on Orchard Management