What is the practice called when all shoots are removed every one or two years back to the same position on the tree?

Pollarding is a specialized pruning technique where all shoots are removed periodically, typically every one to two years, back to the same growth points on the tree. This practice is designed to manage the size and shape of the tree while promoting a dense growth of young shoots. The technique allows for easy maintenance and control over the tree's height and canopy structure, making it especially useful in urban environments where space may be limited.

The fundamental idea behind pollarding is to create a balance between vegetative growth and aesthetic or functional considerations, often resulting in a visually appealing tree that can coexist with human activity. It is distinct from other practices, as it not only selectively removes certain branches but does so in a systematic way to maintain the tree's health and vitality over many years. While thinning involves selectively removing branches to improve light penetration and air circulation, pollarding follows a more rigid cycle of cutting back to the same points, making it unique.

Training generally refers to the process of shaping a young tree to achieve a desired structure, which is not the same as the periodic cutting associated with pollarding. Heading, on the other hand, can involve cutting back branches to the desired length, but it does not encompass the same cyclical, rejuvenating aspect of pollarding