Thanks Rumi, if i ever change my moniker that will be it!That's why his name isn't Minimalist.
I will attempt to...Andrew (maximalist), I want to thank you for contributing so much to his thread! Its not easy especially in the face of adversity. While some of the stuff seems extreme it appears you have a handle on what you are doing in addition to experience and photo evidence of your practices success.
I will be very interested to see those poplars in a few years or even 10... Make sure to show us the progress and as always keep up the posting!
Reason it was done here was for harvesting the shoots and new branches. So the trees were topped low enough that people could reach the tops from low ladders but cattle /horses couldn't.
No giraffes here, fortunately.
Here is a picture I posted of some: https://www.masterblasterhome.com/showthread.php?15434-Traditional-pollarding
Just out of curiosity, how can you be sure about that?
"Do not leave stubs.
Do not paint wounds.
Do not remove collars."
A.Shigo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dds30Z9Wo3M
Even Donald paint wounds ...
Wear your gaffs bro. Might as well.