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SHOULD I COPPICE OR NOT ?

Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,077
edited July 2018 in Plants
My 15' high Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' which unfortunately occupies a fairly narrow border in my garden has , over the years , evolved into a 'lollipop' , mainly through pruning to avoid the shading of other plants in close proximity .
It is currently growing very strongly .

I am seriously considering removing the entire crown of the tree , leaving a 1' high 'trunk' , which I am anticipating will regenerate into what can be kept as a moderate sized shrub .

Are there any opinions as to whether it's wise to do so , or does anyone think it's too late in the year ?

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,158
    I have only ever seen these as mature trees but thi ssite says it coppices well - http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2013/08/01/permaculture-plants-honey-locust/  

    You'd need to do it when the tree is dormant.  Not when in full growth and pumping sap.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,982
    Agree ... coppicing should be done in late winter ... February is best. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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