Hazel Varieties

[Bealers]

Hi,

 

I've got a bit of old Hazel coppice that I'm bringing back into rotation.

 

I want to do some press planting to plug a few holes and was wondering if there's a particular variety I should be getting? Some seem to yield more nuts but I want to be sure that they will coppice too.

 

I'm also trying to find a source of seeds so I can cultivate my own but I'm not having much luck.

[woodyguy]

Varieties of hazel are only really used for garden production of hazel nuts. If you have grey squirrels then they will eat all the nuts anyway unless you net them. You can also buy hazel bare root or container for 35p but you will spent several pounds on a named Cob variety. So just buy hazel and forget the nuts.

[HCR]

Can you just layer the ones you've got?

 

If not, what the previous poster said.

[coppiceer]

Layering is definitely the best option for gapping up an established coppice. I find that hazel usually layers successfully given reasonable light levels. You will need to check on their progress each winter and sever the layers of successful scions before they get too thick. Planting new saplings or seeds requires too much care and attention, even if you can remember where you put them.

[Rebel_Commando]

As all others have said layering will be the best option.

If you really feel the need to plant I know of a possible source quite local for you.

[Big Bolt]

Stay with what you have cheaper and the tree rats will just chew your nut's we did a H of layering this year over 550 stems

[coppiceer]

Stay with what you have cheaper and the tree rats will just chew your nut's we did a H of layering this year over 550 stems

 

Like your pictures.

 

Do you pile brash/cuttings over the stumps or leave them as in the photos? I have experimented and found that piling 4'-5' of brash over the stumps leads to better regrowth.