With its twisted branches, the corkscrew hazel enchants with magical radiance in beds and pots. With professional pruning, this unique habit will be preserved for many years. These instructions explain in practical terms how to correctly cut back a corkscrew hazelnut.
How do I cut a corkscrew hazel correctly?
To prune a corkscrew hazelnut professionally, shorten branches that are too long by up to two thirds, remove upward, inwardly growing branches and cut off dead wood. In addition, older branches should be shortened for rejuvenation and wildlings should be torn down.
First enjoy the flowers - then cut back - this is how it works
In March and April, the corkscrew hazelnut delights us with its distinctive catkin flowers. Immediately afterwards, the time window opens for the shape and maintenance pruning. Please choose a date with overcast, frost-free weather. The following instructions explain how to make the cut professionally:
- Cut back branches that are too long by up to two thirds
- Cut off steeply upward, inwardly growing and rubbing branches
- Cut dead wood and stunted shoots at the base
The aim of topiary is to create a compact, densely leafy shrub that is flooded with sunlight. In this way, you can effectively prevent baldness from the inside out. You will promote lush branching on your corkscrew hazelnut if you place the scissors a few millimeters above an outward-facing leaf node. This can be recognized as a slight bump under the bark.
Young branches are getting the hang of things
The less pronounced the degree of woodiness, the more distinctively the branches twist. Therefore, combine annual pruning with continuous rejuvenation. To do this, shorten 2 to 4 of the strongest and oldest branches to 15 cm. Since a corkscrew hazelnut diligently sprouts from the old wood, you preserve its youthful vitality and effectively prevent intensive woodiness.
Cut back wildlings promptly
If you purchased your corkscrew hazelnut as a refined standard tree, wildlings can sprout from the rootstock. These can be clearly identified by their dead straight growth. Since these uninvited guests strive to overgrow the noble crown, they have to give way. Therefore, cut off wildlings without delay, even during the year, as soon as you discover the shoots.
It's better to tear it down instead of cutting it back
There is enormous growth power in a wildling. As long as a small amount of tissue remains on the game base after cutting back, growth will continue unabated. Therefore, do not remove these branches with scissors, but tear them off with a courageous tug.
Tip
With its winding branches, the corkscrew hazel decorates your home as a vase decoration all year round. If the male catkin flowers thrive on the twisted branches in February/March, the tree tops any bouquet of flowers with its charismatic expressiveness.
