Arbtalk.co.uk | Discussion Forum for Arborists

Hello there people,
I have a small plot of land,about one and three quarter acres, with a mixture of trees. Oaks,wild cherry,but mainly ash. They were planted before I got the land and now stand about 30ft tall. The thing is they seem rather close together, some within 4ft of each other. Because of this the canopy is very high and the trees haven't spread wide, but have grown tall to battle for the light.
My question is this:
Is there a general rule for the distance apart from tree to tree to aid in their growth? Also if I do thin them out is it right that if you cut ash at a certain height or in a certain way, it will grow again? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! I could get some pictures if it would help?

Many thanks,ross

really u should looking to thin out under canopy trees, about 1 n 5 first time, and thin again in about 5 to 6 years time, and so on.

Like Slasherscot says, look for the weakest, most suppressed trees first, and continue taking out 1 in 5-8 every few years. Your final crop spacing (achieved on the final thin) is one tree every 7 metres. However, with ash, assuming a 100 year growth cycle, it won't be yourself doing that work!

Thanks for your help chaps!

brookmeadow, whereabouts are you?

i have a plantation of a similar (perhaps a couple of years younger) age, we are learning as we go with it and have started thinning conservatively, only taking out trees if the are overshadowing a promising neighbour, otherwise letting them grow on for firewood!

I'm in somerset me old mucka!
I've been meaning to do this for years but as much as I'm gunna love the firewood I'll produce, I'd prefere seeing it as a tree. I'm getting myself set up with some green woodwork tools, so hopefully it won't all get burnt!

ah, a bit of a trek to see theses parts then... fair play. i look forward to seeing pics of tables and gates etc.

best of luck with it