Pruning / coppicing hazel

Hi,

I have a hazel "tree" - corylus avellana (though technically I think it is a big shrub) that is getting a bit too big. It has been in the ground for around 4 years and some of the stems are very thick, so I think the plant is strong enough for some rough treatment.

Based on a look online, two forms of pruning are discussed:

1. Light pruning
2. Coppicing, almost down to ground level.

However, what I would like to do, is in between the two... I was thinking of reducing the height by 2/3 and also thin it out. I am assuming that since the two extremes (light pruning coppicing) are OK, so should something in between. Do you agree? I don't really care about missing out on hazels (it produces very few anyway).

Thank you.

 

You can do as you suggest. We coppice our allotment hazel because it promotes new straight shoots that are useful but in our garden we prune for shape. Over the years we have maintained a nice twisted multi trunk specimen with a raised canopy but still have to deal with the straight shoots at the base. It's the best season for heavy cutting but tbh we cut bits back as and when we want and have never had any problems.

 

Perfect, thank you very much @Thevictorian

 

I have gone to town with it. I hope it's happy in Spring