Pollarding a hazel

[Auricula]

I have a hazel tree with lots of offshoots.
It is about 12ft high and green - although lots of the offshoots ( about 6ft high ) are purple
I know I can cut it right down and it will regrow as a thicket but - when should I do it? and how low can I cut it?
Thanks

[4pygmies]

I'm so glad you posted this Auricula, as I have several huge hazels to chop and now I've looked up how to do it. It says in my handy RHS manual: "Cut back all stems to the base, leaving the swollen basal wood unpruned as all new growth forms from these". It also says it can be done in late winter or early spring. My hazels are HUGE now. I planted them years ago and they didn't do much (I thought) but they've suddenly shot up and now I can see some nuts on them too. I think that's really thrilling! If I cut them down next year I shall even have some of Monty Don's famous hazel sticks for climbers. Wow.

[oldmoleskins]

hi auricula, and 4P is absolutely right - you can do this to hazel and it will reward you with a complete comeback. The process is called coppicing and has been exploited in the past to produce all sorts of country stuff; hurdles to fence sheep, firewood, charcoal, peasticks and beanpoles - it's the original renewable energy!!
Try this link if you want to know more:

www.allotmentforestry.com/fact/growown3.htm

OM

[Auricula]

Thank you both

[JennyWrenn]

I have a witch hazel - it arrived in my garden a couple years ago - I dont know where/how but have been informed that this type of tree will grow outwards rather than upwards

Is this correct

Yesterday I had to cut back some of the branches that were covering my drive way and getting in the way of cars parked there

It seems to be getting some kind of berries too


The leaves are not that attractive but it is in front of one of my lovely Amelanchiers and hope it doesnt stop this from thriving