Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

Coppice Ash


Recommended Posts

I planted a stand of 80 Ash trees approx 5 years ago with the intention of making the maiden coppice cut after 7 years. They are fenced to protect them from Deer damage but we have a lot of Rabbits that I know will eat the new coppice shoots. My question is can I coppice from about knee high to create a sort of low level pollard or would the new re-growth simply sprout from the base? Would appreciate your views thanks

 

PS I'm well aware of the Ash die back issue but it has not hit hard here yet so please don't tell me to simply tear them all out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

From what I've read that's what would be known as "copparding", a coppard is half way between a coppice and a pollard.

 

Without being pedantic what I take from it all is that you can cut them wherever you want, or the site requires, and they'll do the same thing.

 

I've certainly cut ashes at many different heights and they always seem to regrow just the same.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes thats what I read too and it does seem to be born out by observing a tree that lost its leader due to damage by a Hornet - it developed 2 leaders. I guess thats really what I need to emulate. When they were first planted several of them throw up shoots from the base rather like a 'sucker' on a rose, my concern was they would do the same when cut rather than 'coppard'. I'll just give it go next winter and see what happens :001_smile:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe. In the past, coppicing had a need for very straight poles to rive, so cutting really low produced them. I agree that you get a lesser number of regrowths but not convinced that they grow slower. A stool with 50 regrowths will self prune down to about 20 anyway. If you aren't bothered about straightness for logs then I'm not sure it matters. Do you have any evidence to support that view apart from tradition (which is often right!!) ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.