![]() So, adopting an ''if you can't beat 'em, join 'em'' approach, he now harvests some very useful garden stakes from the tree every few years. Two years later it was doing the same thing again, only this time five stems of up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter had replaced the single trunk originally cut down.Īfter this second cutting, the tree responded by growing still more new stems - and more again after they, in turn, were cut. If your trees have a diameter of more than 10cm at chest height, you may need to apply to the Forestry Commission for a felling licence.An acquaintance of mine once cut down a vigorously growing tree because it shaded some nearby blueberry bushes. Identify the best growing trees and remove their competition. By giving the remaining trees more room, they develop a better shape and grow stronger and more resilient. Felling around 1 in 5 trees will reduce competition for light, water and nutrients. The process is repeated on a 5-8 year cycle. Thinning is usually done around year 10, or when trees are about 7m tall. You can find out more about tree disease on our pests and diseases page. A particularly cold winter may result in frost damage but your trees should recover. Your trees may be affected by a variety of common diseases, but will rarely kill young trees. Your trees could be ready to coppice after seven to 10 years, depending on species and growth rate. Coppicing also allows light to reach the woodland floor, helping flowers to flourish. This involves cutting a tree at its base to encourage new growth. However, species such as cherry and walnut need pruning in summer to reduce risk of disease and sap bleeding. Most native trees are best pruned in winter when dormant. To prevent disease and decay, be sure not to damage the tree’s bark and never cut the branch flush with the main stem as this creates a larger wound. The cut should be square to the branch and preserve the bulge at its base, known as the branch collar. Invest in a good pruning saw and make a clean cut close to the tree trunk. This is not essential but will encourage trees to grow upwards rather than outwards once established and help to create a diverse canopy structure. Both can be recycled where facilities exist please check with your local authority or find a specialist company like Agri.cycle. The tubes are made from polypropylene (PP) and the spirals are PVC. Please dispose of the plastics responsibly to protect local wildlife. They have now done their job and may hamper growth. Remove guards as soon as they split and before they start to disintegrate (usually after 5-10 years). Keeping tree guards firmly pressed into the soil and a weed-free area around your trees will help. Pests can cause damage inside the tube so check tree stems and guards for damage. Pull up any grass growing inside the guard and carefully replace the guard. Strong winds can blow trees over so make sure your guards, canes or stakes are upright and pushed firmly into the soil. If you do want to mow, take care to avoid damaging the trees and guards. Regular grass cutting is not advised as it invigorates grass growth and increases competition for moisture. ![]() If there is a particularly long dry spell and you feel watering is necessary, saturate the ground to ensure water soaks deep into the soil. Your trees will adapt to natural conditions so shouldn't need watering, especially as it encourages roots to grow up towards the soil surface rather than down towards groundwater. You must adhere to all instructions and guidance around chemical use and we recommend engaging a professional who adheres to industry best practice. As with all pesticides, take care when applying and be careful not to touch the tree with the chemical. Spray around the base of each tree to create a weed-free ring, approximately 1m in diameter. When mulching or weeding isn’t appropriate, chemical-based products may have to be used to suppress weeds. You can also buy mulch mats and peg them into the ground to keep them in place. Apply it to a depth of around 10cm to prevent it being blown away or dispersed and top it up annually. You can suppress weeds with mulch, such as bark chips or straw bales. Keeping a 1 metre diameter around the tree clear of weeds and grass for the first 2-3 years will reduce competition for moisture and nutrients. Weeding is the most important step in giving your trees the right start. Make sure everyone involved in maintenance of the space knows where your trees have been planted to avoid mowing or accidental damage.
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