Pruning Hazelnut trees

[Russell]

We have a hazelnut tree that has been allowed to get out of hand and we will be attacking it this Easter break.  Anyone any thoughts on how to approach it, how much to leave standing and so on?

It has not been touched in the 5 years we have had it and I imagine for a good number of years before then.

Thanks

R

[SteveC]

Almost indestructible, although Christmas would have been a better time than Easter.
If you really want to you could cut the whole thing off at ground level and it will regrow as a cluster of thin stems.  Called coppicing.  It's used for growing poles and sticks for fences, hurdles morris dancing sticks and so on.
Coppicing can prolong the life of the tree.  There are some examples which may be hundreds of years old, which the tree would never reach in its natural state.

Otherwise prune as much as you want.

The only thing to be aware of is that if you want a big trunk you'll have to leave the one that's there.  The regrowth is always thinner.

Hope that helps

S

[Ian H]

Almost indestructible, although Christmas would have been a better time than Easter.

There's some disagreement as to whether it's best to prune when dormant or when shooting; otherwise, as above.

[Chris S]

Noooooo! Think of the Catkins  .

Just kidding. I'll be doing some coppicing soon too.