Bending conifer trees

[Rough Hewn]

From my research, conifers can't inosculate/fuse together, only some broadleaf species. I guess it would just be fixing/tying them together. Unless someone has an example that would prove it wrong!

Yew. [emoji106]

[Silverhooker]

Looking at the picture of the site I'd say take the lot down, except the outers on the prevaling wind side. The re-plant with birch, rowan and willow and you can make them in to any shape you want and it'll enrich the biodiversity.

[AJStrees]

I agree on the woodland, unless you are trying to be a forester, growing and selling timber as your trade, then yes take out a fair amount of them, leave the place to naturally do it’s thing, maybe fence to stop munchers coming in, but if left for the soil to naturally regenerate, you may not even need to plant. Nature can do some miraculous things.

[Guest Gimlet]

Probably wouldn't need to plant birch. It seems to turn up by itself like magic wherever there's an opportunity. 

Like buddleia in derelict car parks.  

Edited March 2, 2020 by Gimlet

[niioll]

1 hour ago, AJStrees said:

I agree on the woodland, unless you are trying to be a forester, growing and selling timber as your trade, then yes take out a fair amount of them, leave the place to naturally do it’s thing, maybe fence to stop munchers coming in, but if left for the soil to naturally regenerate, you may not even need to plant. Nature can do some miraculous things.

Yes absolutely. In fact, I'm learning about soil seed banks and a woodland conservator mentioned to me that there is research that soil seed banks last 60-70 years (climate change probably affects this). So considering that this site was replanted 60 years ago, by selectively felling some of the trees, we could really be trying to salvage and germinate some of the seeds in the soil. Anyone familiar with these dynamics and can give some more advice/information?

Edited March 2, 2020 by niioll

[Dan Maynard]

There is an SSSI wood near us, where several blocks were cleared and planted with conifers by the FC. The policy has been to clear blocks and let nature take its course, but there are plenty of trees around the blocks to spread.

What is outside your conifers?

[AJStrees]

5 hours ago, niioll said:

Yes absolutely. In fact, I'm learning about soil seed banks and a woodland conservator mentioned to me that there is research that soil seed banks last 60-70 years (climate change probably affects this). So considering that this site was replanted 60 years ago, by selectively felling some of the trees, we could really be trying to salvage and germinate some of the seeds in the soil. Anyone familiar with these dynamics and can give some more advice/information?

If you own this land and want to do something with it, best is to determine what you want to achieve and go from there. 

 

If the land is left to its own devices then it will probably grow all sorts of things in it. For example if brambles and other things grow in it, then oaks and other seedlings might start growing and being protected by that, if the land is left open and needs to be fenced from deer and other munching mammals then not many things will grow to a size before being eaten. 

 

Also depends where this is and what sort of soil exists there as to what will grow. 

 

However baring in mind birds and other mammals, along with wind and pollinators all play a part in what grows. For example Jay birds are best buddies with oaks and they plant acorns as part of their habit. Other birds eat berries and the seeds pass through them dropping to the ground or in your gutter and they germinate. Squirrels store acorns and other things in the ground, sometimes forget them and then trees grown from there. But then deer and rabbits come along and eat them. 

 

So there are many options with nature. You may already know all of this, but hope this is of some use. 

[niioll]

7 hours ago, Dan Maynard said:

There is an SSSI wood near us, where several blocks were cleared and planted with conifers by the FC. The policy has been to clear blocks and let nature take its course, but there are plenty of trees around the blocks to spread.

What is outside your conifers?

The site is surrounded by mixed broadleaf trees and then surrounded by fields. Yes, the broadleaves naturally regenerate in the areas that have be felled by strong winds and storms.