Pronunciation: [pˈɒlɑːdz] (IPA) 
The word "pollards" is spelled with two syllables: POL-ards. The first syllable "POL" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a "l" sound at the end, while the second syllable "ards" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a "r" sound and a "d" sound at the end. "Pollards" refers to trees that have been severely cut back to encourage new growth. This word is commonly used in the context of forestry and agriculture.
Pollards are trees that have been pruned in a specific manner for the purpose of promoting sustainable growth and regrowth, often in the form of multiple branches or shoots that emerge from the main trunk. This pruning technique involves cutting back the main branches or stems of a tree to a specific height, often just above the head of livestock, which allows the regrowth to be controlled and used for various purposes.
The process of pollarding has been practiced for centuries, primarily for utilitarian purposes such as timber production, fence material, fodder for livestock, or firewood. The controlled regrowth resulting from pollarding provides a continuous supply of material without having to cut down and replant new trees. Additionally, pollards are more resilient to certain factors, such as grazing or harsh weather conditions, as they can regrow from the pollarded trunk.
The appearance of pollards can vary depending on the species and age of the tree; however, common characteristics include a central trunk with multiple branches or shoots protruding from the cut ends. These branches or shoots are usually thick and sturdy, as they have been pruned to withstand repeated harvests.
Pollarding is an essential practice in many traditional landscape management systems, as it allows for the sustainable use of trees while providing various benefits such as a renewable source of materials, animal fodder, and overall landscape diversity.
The word "pollards" has a unique etymology. It originated from the Middle English word "polard" or "polart", which refers to a tree that has been pruned and cut back to encourage new growth. The specific root of the word "pollard" is uncertain, but it likely comes from a combination of the Old English words "pol" or "poll", meaning "head", and "weard", meaning "guard" or "protector". This is due to the fact that pollarding involves cutting off the upper branches of a tree to promote the growth of new shoots from the main trunk, thus resembling a "guarded" or "protected" head. Over time, "polard" or "polart" transformed into the modern word "pollard" and expanded to include both the pruned trees themselves, as well as people or animals with a cropped hairstyle or tail.
