Coppicing technique.
Coppicing is an option when hedgerow shrubs have become too overgrown for laying (i.e. stems over 125mm-150mm, 5"-6" diameter), the hedge has too many gaps or when small gaps need to be opened up for planting. Coppicing involves cuttining hedgerow shrubs to the ground in order to promote regrowth from the base. The cut should be an inch or two above ground level, clean and angled slightly to allow for water runoff. Trim the new growth for the next couple of years to
encourage a dense structure. No weed control should be necessary as new growth
should be vigorous enough to out-compete weeds. As with laid hedges, protection from grazing stock will be needed for 2-3 years. Protection may also be needed
from rabbit grazing where local populations are high. Retain hedgerow trees and some dead wood where possible. Leave occasional ‘standard’hawthorn and other trees.
encourage a dense structure. No weed control should be necessary as new growth
should be vigorous enough to out-compete weeds. As with laid hedges, protection from grazing stock will be needed for 2-3 years. Protection may also be needed
from rabbit grazing where local populations are high. Retain hedgerow trees and some dead wood where possible. Leave occasional ‘standard’hawthorn and other trees.
Coppicing.
Here is an example of coppicing on a willow. Notice the new growth coming from below the cut. The cut is angled downward to deflect water.
Coppicing.
If the shrubs are coppiced too high gaps will form at the base of the hedge as it grows, resulting in a hedge that will not be stock-proof. It will also cause further problems when you come to lay the hedge in the future.The best species for coppicing are any of the willow species, hazel, alder and hawthorn.
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Coppicing.
Here we see the finished hedge.
Coppicing.
A newly coppiced hedge. It looks drastic but will result in new, healthy, and strong growth.
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Coppicing.
Coppicing involves cutting shrubs at ankle height and allowing them to re-grow. A thickdense hedgerow can be recreated by coppicing in just a few years. It also provides an opportunity to gap up hedges without restricting light to new plants. Coppicing is the best treatment for hedges with large gaps or stems that are too large to lay, or have been badly layed in the past. It rejuvenates old hedgerows and provides an opportunity to increase the types of trees growing in the hedgerow as any gaps left after coppicing has been carried out can be filled by planting with locally occurring species. Coppicing is cheaper and requires less skilled labour than hedge laying.
Coppicing rejuvenates old plants and provides an opportunity to gap up the hedge without restricting light to the new plants. As with laying, this is best carried out in winter avoiding very frosty weather.
Coppicing rejuvenates old plants and provides an opportunity to gap up the hedge without restricting light to the new plants. As with laying, this is best carried out in winter avoiding very frosty weather.
