Ancient Hazel

The perfect tree for the busy gardener....

One hundred years ago there were some 7,000 acres of hazel orchard in this country, now the figure is nearer to 250. The current fashion may be for olive trees, but we just don’t have the climate for them to produce a decent edible crop. Hazel on the other hand will thrive in our cool climate, and if pruned correctly, will grow into a tree with a very similar feel to an ancient olive.

The perfect tree for a busy gardener, they will tolerate almost any site and situation and will grow and crop well in the worst patches of soil!

In this area there is plenty of wild hazel in the hedgerows so pollination shouldn’t prove a problem, a new tree should start producing nuts within a few years, allow a little longer for the gnarled look! Pruning should be done every winter, remove the upright wands to let light into the middle of the bush – aim for a goblet shape, keeping the middle open. Remove any crossing wood and knock the suckers back.

Most varieties of nuts will store for 12 to 18 months if kept moist in a cool place, in a plastic bag in a shed/garage is ideal!