Hawthorn reduction advice please.

[Gnarlyoak]

I have a number of large hawthorns (between 20-30ft tall) which need to be reduced, but because they have grown along the fringe under a canopy of mixed sycamore/beech/ash woodland have large pronounced leans. The client would like these to be pruned right back to the woodland edge.

 

Could these trees take a drastic reduction taking them down to 6ft stumps. This would remove approx 75-80% of the tree/canopy. The crowns of the overhanging woodland trees will be raised at the same time.

 

Would the hawthorns survive such a severe cut if the work was carried out now, or would it be best to wait until the end of the growing season. Client wants the trees doing in one hit so a phased reduction program over 2/3 years is not really an option.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

I have a number of large hawthorns (between 20-30ft tall) which need to be reduced, but because they have grown along the fringe under a canopy of mixed sycamore/beech/ash woodland have large pronounced leans. The client would like these to be pruned right back to the woodland edge.

 

Could these trees take a drastic reduction taking them down to 6ft stumps. This would remove approx 75-80% of the tree/canopy. The crowns of the overhanging woodland trees will be raised at the same time.

 

Would the hawthorns survive such a severe cut if the work was carried out now, or would it be best to wait until the end of the growing season. Client wants the trees doing in one hit so a phased reduction program over 2/3 years is not really an option.

 

'One hit' = they (the Client) takes the risk of them being so shocked they dies! I'd make that absolutely crystal clear to them AND put it on the quote so you can't be to blame!

 

I would also advise you're preferred option of phased reduction to generate new crowns lower and lower over 2,3or 4 growing seasons...people alwasy want instance results these days and perhaps worth reminding them of the obvious that it takes several years for the trees/hedrerows to grow to that height.

 

Good luck..!

Paul

[renewablejohn]

On the farm we would lay the stumps at ground level and plant a new hawthorn hedge on top of them. If the stumps sprout all well and good you have a nice thick hedge within 5 years if not you have a nice thick hedge in 10 years. Certainly would not consider doing it now if you want the hedge to survive. Nice warm job for the middle of winter.

[Gnarlyoak]

I do concur with the phased reduction approach, but client is'nt convinced by my arguments. (Probably thinks I'm just trying to rip him off trying to spin out the job for as long as possible) When I point out the risk of "shock death" by cutting to a 6ft stump the clients response is to fell them! So I'm trying to find some kind of middle ground where I can keep the trees and keep the client happy.

 

Mmmmm tricky!

[Grizzly]

It seems to me that your client isn't really that bothered as to whether they are there or not. If after all your advice his response is 'fell them' then that says alot about him:thumbdown: Would there be much difference in price with the phased reduction approach as opposed to reducing them to 6' stumps in one hit? Maybe this is bothering him as you suggest.

[John Hancock]

In my experience, yes they would survive but will shoot up unsightly vertical growth in next to no time. If you can leave any growth on the main stem within the 6-foot, that would be beneficial.

[Mozza]

In my experience, yes they would survive but will shoot up unsightly vertical growth in next to no time. If you can leave any growth on the main stem within the 6-foot, that would be beneficial.

 

I was going to write more or less that, So what John said

 

 

 

 

Id just crack on with it to be honest, They will survive and its cash in the bank

[John Hancock]

I was going to write more or less that, So what John said

 

Id just crack on with it to be honest, They will survive and its cash in the bank

 

Bish-Bash-Bosh.....Kerching!

[Mozza]

Bish-Bash-Bosh.....Kerching!

 

Indeed

 

 

 

 

 

If you dont want to do it Rick mate, Give them my number

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

never killed a hawthorn in hedge restoration yet, crack on, just make sure it gets a good clip to encourage it to thicken up.