Hazel Hedging

A cobnut hedge is beautiful as well as useful! Not only will it produce edible nuts but it can also be coppiced, each tree has a life span of approximately 80 years, if coppiced this can be extended to hundreds! The wood is used in many different ways including to make bean poles and fences!

The branches are very bendy and are often used in woodland crafts, they have a smooth grey, brown appearance with green, oval leaves which are deciduous. The plants will produce catkins (which are so lovely and our cats like to play with them!) which are wind pollinated.

Are thought to encourage dormice as they eat the nuts and the caterpillars which feed on the leaves as well as woodpeckers, nuthatches, tits, wood pigeons and jays.

The hazel is also thought to be a 'magical' tree and protect from evil spirits and are often used to make wands.  In Medieval times it was a symbol of fertility.

The Irish call it the Tree of Knowledge (doesn't seem to have rubbed off on me!)

Also known as Cobnut.  Please note that this is a general cultivar and not a named variety.

• Plant 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Ultimate height 40 feet (12 metres). Can be trimmed to any height above 3 feet (90 cm). 
• Average annual growth rate 2 feet (60 cm).
• Ultimate width 8 feet (2.5 metres) plus. Can be trimmed to any width over 2 feet (60 cm).
• Grows well in most soil types (including chalky and clay) except those prone to laying wet.
• Suitable for most aspects from full sun to partial shade. Does not perform well in dense shade.
• Suitable for most coastal areas.
• Suitable for exposed/windy positions.
• We are not aware that any subjects in this mix are poisonous.
• Plant autumn/winter/spring.

Cultivation Guidance

• On Arrival
• We often trim the tops to ensure basal branching and for the hedge to grow thick before dispatch.
• This is a natural growing hedge, alternate the young plants for more interest. We simply label each variety batch but not each subject.
• Remember growing in a shady position will reduce the growth of the plants.
• A mulch of spent mushroom compost or well rotted manure planting is beneficial.
• Do not use any stimulants or bone meal at planting time.

• Aftercare
• Once well established this hedge can be cut by conventional hedge trimmers, but only in winter before the birds start nesting.