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Gardening

coppicing a tree

(4 Posts)
Alexa Tue 30-Mar-21 10:34:43

I am interested in coppicing my healthy young oak. Does anyone know how long it takes before the new shoots are about 6 ft tall?

Casdon Tue 30-Mar-21 10:44:40

It would put that much growth on in one season, but I think you’ve left it a bit late to do it this year, as the tree should be dormant. I’ve never done it with an oak, but have with a hazel and normally would do it in January or early February.

Alexa Thu 01-Apr-21 10:31:42

Thank you Casdon that is helpful. I regret cutting an oak but I believe a coppiced oak is also valuable for wild life. I will certainly leave the oak with its summer foliage this summer and if I am still alive will consider coppicing during winter months. I love shade but even I would find a 60 foot oak too shady where it would stand against from southerly sun.

Yesterday my son transplanted another 4 ft oak into a piece of my property which will not be a nuisance to anyone and God willing it will grow big before any plant haters tidy it away.

Casdon Thu 01-Apr-21 13:28:10

You could cut the leader branch shorter now I think Alexa, which would mean it won’t be so difficult to coppice next winter, I can see that a 60 foot tree will be an issue in a garden, although an oak tree is a beautiful thing,