Small Ash tree self set thinning

[Sharpy92]

I have about 2 acres of self set Ash trees. Im trying to create some nice trees to fill in a gap between two woods. I have been thinning with a brush cutter for the past 4 years. Wondering if any one knows a quicker way so that I can do it more than once a year?

Photo take couple of years ago.

[10 Bears]

I would have suggested a brushcutter if Im honest - but that doesnt help with getting it done quicker.

 

How about getting machinery in, something like a mega mulcher (or similar PTO attachment), flatten the site and start again. It doesn't sound like you have a seed source problem so this could make it more manageable in the long term - just depends on costs.

[woodyguy]

When I visited the 200 year cycle french oak forests I was interested to see how they manage regeneration. The regrowth of oak is 100's of times denser than we ever see since American Oak mildew hit. They walk through and cut with a bill hook all the saplings they don't want. They cut them at waist height to save their backs and because the growth is far too dense to be able to bend over anyway!

The uncut trees grow on and soon smother the cut trees. As you've only got two acres and they're doing 1hectare minimum squares, I'd have thought it would work for you.

[SamWhiting12]

You could just leave it, use the brush cutter to make paths through the site, then after 2-3 years go out cutting all the small bent stems and use them to make woven fencing.

[slack ma girdle]

Leave them for 10-12 years until they are firewood size and thin out the ones you don't want.

[mendiplogs]

Leave them for 10-12 years until they are firewood size and thin out the ones you don't want.

 

Hi SMG that's the way to do it mate thanks Jon

[cornish wood burner]

I use an old ride on mower to keep the brambles and bracken down between my planted trees. It would keep your unwanted trees, etc down IF the ground was even enough. I cut mine every month, much easier than a strimmer.

[Logan]

Leave it for a few more years, or you won't get straight branch-free 1st lengths on your selected trees. As SMG says.

 

For ease of management / walking, mow straightish paths through in parallel about 6-12m apart with your ride on, makes easier to periodically free up your selected trees from surrounding vegetation.

[thorndene forestry]

What about going in with a knapsack and spraying out unwanted areas. Heck of a lot quicker than a brushcutter. Cheaper too!!