Pollarding in Holland in the `Olden Days' was done mostly to gather the branches for kindling. However, this type of "pruning" is now customarily done to enhance daylight to penetrate homes and living/working quarters.
Pollarding of elm and in particular willows is done in many areas in Holland in fall because of darker and shorter daylight.
The willows in dairy meadow areas along the canals are know as "Knot Willows" because of the Knot appearance. It is a definite Holland look of the landscape.
Being accustomed to this "Art" for some 20 years of my young life as a native of the Netherlands, this past October (1995) I made a closer inspection. I found most trees although covered with many "Knots" to be very healthy and free from disease. Many very old meadow willows, however, showed tremendous cavities, yet keep on producitng beautiful healthy branches and leafing.
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