How does pollarding change the form of a tree?

Pollarding is a horticultural practice that fundamentally alters a tree's form by cutting its top branches back to the trunk or a main framework. This process leaves behind club-headed stems, which subsequently sprout a dense, thick head of new branches.1

From an aesthetic and functional perspective, this technique transforms the tree's natural silhouette into a more compact, managed shape. While the primary goal is often to limit the tree's overall size or prevent interference with urban infrastructure—such as overhead wires or streets—it also serves to promote the growth of denser foliage. Beyond its structural impact, pollarding is historically significant as a method for creating a renewable harvest of boughs used for various crafts, including basket weaving and thatching.1