Optimum diameter to coppice

[Marko]

Is there an optimum diameter to be achieved before coppicing for the first time?

 

If so, is it dramatically different per species?

 

If so, is there a table available with such information?

 

Ta,

Mark

[Rebel_Commando]

I think I read that 2/3 years was fine for the fast growing species like hazel, ash, sycamore etc.

Don't think if differs dramatically over the different common coppice species though...

[hedgesparrow]

for hazel to get the best materials for hurdles,spars etc 7 year rotation is ideal any older and its getting big thats what the coppicer want to achieve in hampshire

[Marc Lewis]

Agree, 6-8 yrs for hazel.

[Rebel_Commando]

Yes 6-8yrs is the usual rotation period.

I understood it as the OP asked about the first cut for a new coppice?

[woodyguy]

I'm establishing coppice for hazel by planting and as you say its not that easy to find out.

I'm letting them grow for a year then cutting back to establish breaking from the base.

[TobyAllen]

Have a look in the BTCV manual (download free off the website), there's bound to be something about it. From memory the first cut is at around 3 -5 years. Then it's in rotation for the species and product.

[TobyAllen]

I've just had a look, the btcv has been sexed up and doesn't do the free handbooks anymore.

You can buy one off amazon.

[peatff]

There is a goat willow off the High street which self set in front of a bench spoiling the view so it was cut down years ago and this turned it into a coppice. It has never been looked at since and is now a monster with about a hundred trunks and the bench is completely obscured by it now. It's due for another trim any time What diameter to coppice would depend on what you want to use the wood for, hazel for sticks, willow for withies and chestnut for charcoal.

[Hiluxr]

I'm establishing coppice for hazel by planting and as you say its not that easy to find out.

I'm letting them grow for a year then cutting back to establish breaking from the base.

 

When i planted hazel about 10years ago, i used wire mesh to protect the plants and have left them alone. They have put on plenty of growth from the base as well as on the original stem.