Hazel

Plant bare-root hazel between November and March in a sunny or lightly shaded position. It tolerates most soils, including chalk and heavy clay, and grows well in exposed sites. For nut production, plant two or more different cultivars to ensure cross-pollination. Space trees 4-5 metres apart, or 30-40 cm apart for a hedge. Water during dry spells in the first year. Hazel makes an excellent understory tree in woodland gardens and is one of the best native species for wildlife. The contorted form 'Contorta' is prized for its twisted stems in winter flower arrangements.

Coppice every 7-10 years in winter by cutting all stems to 15-20 cm above ground. This traditional management creates a multi-stemmed habit and produces straight poles for garden use. Alternatively, prune as a single-stemmed tree by removing lower branches and thinning the crown. For hedges, trim in late winter before catkins shed their pollen.