A Challenging Pollard on a Mature Ash

We recently carried out a pollard on a large Ash tree at a residential property in Wimbledon, not far from the common. The tree had grown to a considerable size, towering over a neighbouring garden and leaning slightly toward the house.

The owners didn’t want to lose the tree — they just needed it brought under control to reduce the weight of the upper canopy and improve safety. Pollarding was the ideal solution, allowing us to reduce height and spread while keeping the tree healthy for years to come.

Why Pollarding Works for Ash Trees

Ash trees respond well to pollarding, especially older specimens that have been previously managed in this way. It’s a method that controls growth, removes dead or decayed wood, and encourages new, strong shoots from old pollard heads.

In this case, the tree hadn’t been worked on for at least ten years, and some of the older limbs were starting to show early signs of Ash dieback — a fungal disease common across the UK. Reducing the canopy weight was not only a safety measure but also a way to prolong the life of the tree by easing stress on weakened limbs.

How We Carried Out the Work

We began with a full site inspection and risk assessment, ensuring there were no nesting birds or active wildlife before setting up. The Ash stood close to a boundary wall, so we used rope and harness climbing techniques to avoid bringing in heavy machinery.

Once aloft, we worked methodically around the tree, reducing each limb back to a suitable growth point and shaping the canopy evenly. Rigging ropes were used to safely lower heavy sections to the ground without causing damage to the garden below.

After the pollard was complete, we cleared all debris, chipped the waste, and left the site neat and tidy. The result was a well-balanced, rejuvenated Ash with plenty of space for healthy regrowth next season.

The Benefits of Pollarding

Pollarding is often misunderstood, but when done properly and at the right time, it’s one of the best ways to:

Keep large trees safe and manageable

Encourage strong, healthy regrowth

Reduce the risk of storm damage

Prolong the lifespan of older trees

Restore light and space to gardens

A well-pollarded Ash can live for many decades — sometimes centuries — with the right maintenance cycle.

A Delighted Homeowner in Wimbledon

Our customer was thrilled with the results. The garden now feels lighter and more open, and the Ash looks strong, balanced, and cared for. We’ve scheduled a follow-up inspection in 18 months to monitor regrowth and maintain the pollard cycle.

That’s what good tree surgery is all about — responsible management and long-term care, not quick fixes.