pollard

v. to cut the top branches of a tree back to the main trunk so that it grows a thick head of new, thin branches.

v. to prune a tree by cutting back the crown to the trunk to encourage a dense head of foliage and branches. The process is typically repeated every few years to maintain the tree's shape and size.

“The city workers pollard the willow trees every few years to keep them from growing too large.”

“Horticulturalists often pollard urban trees to prevent their root systems from damaging nearby foundations while maintaining a lush, controlled canopy.”

Technical

n. a tree that has had its top branches cut back to the trunk.

n. a tree that has been subjected to pollarding, resulting in a swollen head of growth at the top of the trunk.

“The ancient pollards along the river look strange in the winter without their leaves.”

“The landscape was dotted with ancient oak pollards, their gnarled trunks testifying to centuries of traditional woodland management.”

Technical

n. a type of food for farm animals made from the outer parts of grain.

n. a byproduct of flour milling consisting of a fine grade of bran mixed with some flour, primarily used as livestock feed.

“The farmer bought a large bag of pollard to feed the pigs.”

“The nutritional profile of pollard makes it an ideal supplement for poultry, though its availability varies by region.”

British English · Dialect

n. an animal, like a cow or goat, that does not have horns.

n. an animal belonging to a hornless variety of a species that is normally horned.

“The farmer preferred to keep pollards because they were safer to handle than horned cattle.”

“In certain breeds of sheep, the presence of a pollard is a specific genetic trait sought after by commercial breeders.”

Technical