Pollarded Tree Collection
What is Pollarding
These trees have all been pruned back to the same point each year, giving them their stunted stature. This style is called "pollarding", an old English term that means "crew cut". A favorite style in European gardens, pollarding offers a unique and visual feature, keeping trees compact when space is limited.
History
In Dr. Bartlett's day, these trees were used for experimental purposes. Scientists would introduce insects and diseases, monitor their destructive effects and attempt to remedy these problems with cutting-edge treatments of the time. At the end of each season, the diseased branches were removed by using pollarding pruning methods.
This modest collection is all that remains from a time when rows of pollarded trees could be found in the area now occupied by the Greenhouse. This area is a lasting reminder of Dr. Bartlett's work as one of the founders of modern-day arboriculture.
Gallery
The original pollarded tree collection extended past the area now occupied by the Greenhouse.
Pollarded tree after winter pruning. The trees are pruned each winter season to keep their shape, and in the spring, the leaves will sprout from the knobby ends.
Pollarded trees in winter show a twisted pattern of branches.
The wooden border was installed in October 2016 as part of an Eagle Scout Project by Josh Appel, Troop 15.
Map Tour
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