Hazel bursting buds in Autumn

[John Robinson]

Hi folks. Hope you don't mind a question from a beginner!

 

We have six Hazels about four years old which have decided to burst their buds and are now beginning to produce new leaf and catkins.

 

Our neighbour had an apple tree get similarly confused about the time of year - I think two autumns ago - and it never recovered. I think there may be a possibility of one of our apple trees doing the same.

 

I suspect there's nothing we can do about it, but I wondered if anyone had experienced this? Is it a common problem?

 

Many thanks.

 

John.

[sloth]

Has it already dropped this years leaves for autumn? And is now leafing up again? If so, it would probably lose them soon, then recover come spring. Tis a bit strange, global warming for ya!

[John Robinson]

They've all kept most of this years leaves, although they are not far off dropping.

 

They're so mixed up I'm thinking about arranging some counselling for them ...

[coppiceer]

If we get some bad frosts and quick thaws whilst your hazel is in leaf, then the leaves will be trying to suck moisture from the stems whilst the water in the wood is still frozen. This will result in the water column within the stem being broken and the stem(s)will die.

 

Check the hazel in the spring and, if the stems have died, then cut them back to the ground. If necessary you can cut (coppice) the hazel completely to ground level to induce new growth from the dormant root buds.

[John Robinson]

Many thanks. Really appreciate the advice.