Do you have any further advice on maintaining hazel trees close to buildings? Does vigorous coppicing restrict root growth?
I've got an idea for having three hazels, pre-inoculated with truffles, out at the front of our house. By coppicing them, I'd hope to be able to grow them closer to our house with less trouble, but I'm unclear on the effect of coppicing on roots.
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 04 5:18 pm Post subject: Thank you for your kind comments
Well I'd never heard of that before - but I know what I want for christmas now!
By continually cutting back and keeping the plant smaller, the roots do not need to spread as much as they would do to support a tree or shrub of increasing size. Like bonsai, I know that encorperates root pruning as well, however you are not trying to keep these plants as small as a bonsai tree.
How close to the house are you thinking of planting?
A Hazel generally (dependent on soil type) does not root very deeply and the main bulk of the roots are within the first 60cm of soil in most plants and trees.
It would be 2.5 to 3m from the house, which is -close-, which is why I've been wondering about coppicing (making a nice little coppiced hedge, if that makes sense).
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 04 5:36 pm Post subject: Bring back my stolen smilie!
Thats plenty of room - the whole point is you cut it when it gets to the size you want. Some poles will grow quicker that others, just make sure that you don't obscure your windows.
Avoid planting it where you know there are services running in case you need access to them.
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 04 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: Bring back my stolen smilie!
anneka wrote:
Thats plenty of room - the whole point is you cut it when it gets to the size you want. Some poles will grow quicker that others, just make sure that you don't obscure your windows.
Avoid planting it where you know there are services running in case you need access to them.
Anneka
Cheers Anneka, you've been a huge help!
Now all I have to do is clear all that horrible council-planted Laurel out of the front garden (don't ask...)
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 25795 Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 04 7:20 pm Post subject:
Cab wrote:
I've got an idea for having three hazels, pre-inoculated with truffles, out at the front of our house. By coppicing them, I'd hope to be able to grow them closer to our house with less trouble, but I'm unclear on the effect of coppicing on roots.
I remember reading an article about these the other week. They often come up in the stuff we read but I think this was about someone doing this professionally. I don't think there has been any success yet, but we are on the verge of the trees becoming old enough to bear truffles. Any one interested in more details if I can dig them up?