# pollard

/ˈpɑɫɝd/ (US) · /pˈɒlɑːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pollard
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to prune a tree

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually used in the active voice when describing the maintenance of public parks or estates.

### 2. a pruned tree

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. animal feed

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. hornless animal

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The gardeners pollard the willow trees every winter.
- The city decided to pollard the lime trees along the street to prevent them from interfering with the overhead power lines.
- Traditional land management practices often required farmers to pollard local oaks, providing a sustainable source of firewood while ensuring the trees remained healthy and productive for generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.