Ash Coppice

Slates

What size should an Ash tree be when it is first cut for a coppice ?

Will the stumps of larger size mature trees die if cut down ?

Any info would be welcome....

blue5000

Slates wrote: »

What size should an Ash tree be when it is first cut for a coppice ?

Will the stumps of larger size mature trees die if cut down ?

Any info would be welcome....

I'm not an expert, just see from experience that something about 10-15cm diameter works well.

Oldtree

Older ash trees can regrow from stumps but not as well as younger ash trees.

Slates

Oldtree wrote: »

Older ash trees can regrow from stumps but not as well as younger ash trees.

I cut down 2 ash trees in winter, one 2 year ago and the other last year.
The trunks are approx 300mm wide.
The first tree sent out some growth but these died for some reason(no ash dieback in the are) The 2nd tree has not shown any sign of new shoots, this spring will be the second since it was cut down.

What is the optinum age/size to cut an ash trees for coppice ?

crackcrack30

I think there is a desired method, i.e cutting the tree when dormant a set height and at an angle facing south if possible, maybe someone can confirm......also using a biodegradable chain oil,,,, (some use a cooking oil I think?)...

Oldtree

Slates wrote: »

I cut down 2 ash trees in winter, one 2 year ago and the other last year.
The trunks are approx 300mm wide.
The first tree sent out some growth but these died for some reason(no ash dieback in there) The 2nd tree has not shown any sign of new shoots, this spring will be the second since it was cut down.

If you remove more than 30% of a mature tree in one go then the shock can kill it, thus it is not reccomended to remove more than 30% of a mature crown in one go. It should also be borne in mind that a tree is a self balancing system.

Slates

Oldtree wrote: »

If you remove more than 30% of a mature tree in one go then the shock can kill it, thus it is not reccomended to remove more than 30% of a mature crown in one go. It should also be borne in mind that a tree is a self balancing system.

Thank Oldtree, I would think that was the cause.

Lots of new planting this winter.
Birch
Oak
Alder
Willow
Aspen

Oldtree

just about to get busy myself with the lovely planting weather.

Intend ash and willow as the mainstay this year but going to now add sycamore to the mix given the ash dieback issue. Also going to try a few alder in a very wet spot.

buds bursting on a tipbearing apple today, bit early really.....;)

Chisler2

Sounds marvellous! For past couple of weeks I've been criss-crossing Mayo looking for a suitable and affordable bit of land to plant semi-native woodland and there was a definite faint green haze to the trees. Now I'm concerned that by the time I've found my future woodland and the transaction is completed I'll miss the planting window for this year which is saddening. Is autumn planting an option?

Oldtree

Chisler2 wrote: »

Sounds marvellous! For past couple of weeks I've been criss-crossing Mayo looking for a suitable and affordable bit of land to plant semi-native woodland and there was a definite faint green haze to the trees. Now I'm concerned that by the time I've found my future woodland and the transaction is completed I'll miss the planting window for this year which is saddening. Is autumn planting an option?

Trees start laying down roots from end of feb on so i try to finish my plantings by then. This year i chanced until mid march. I have stuck willow cuttings in the ground within the last week.

Some will plant on until the end of april and even beyond.

My opinion is that it is now too late for planting this year and I would wait until november before starting again.

periodictable

If there's an "r" in the month it's ok to plant

Chisler2

Thanks Oldtree and P. Sounds as if planting will be September as finding and transacting for the 'silvan idyl' will take at least until then. Meanwhile there is lots to read and study from all the links here.

The delay has been useful as I've learned so much from this forum which has changed my expectations and ideas about 180 degrees! It seems many posters have beautiful and richly-diverse woodland in very small spaces. I started out believing semi-native woodland required acres of land. Wild Bill's pictures of first shoots were particularly heartwarming. Thank you.

meathstevie

I've had to cut down two young ash trees from a backgarden wall a good while ago as they were way too close to a neighbours shed, both had a trunk of about 6 inches in diameter and have shot out quite spectacularly. Complete fluke but they seem to sprout out very well at that diameter.