Updated 16/06/2025
QI have just moved back in with my mother and there is a lovely contorted hazel in the back garden. It is currently about 12 – 15ft high which is a little large for a small garden, when is the best time to prune it and how severe dare I be?
Peter
AI love contorted hazel – I have one in my garden, but I’ll admit that I don’t prune it much! I like to leave it as wild as possible.
But you can prune it. Do it late winter or early spring whilst the tree is still dormant so you don’t chop off the catkins. It probably won’t take kindly to hard pruning, so aim to cut it back a bit at a time, removing no more than a third of the oldest stems each year over the next three years to avoid stressing the tree and retain its twisted form.
Prune out any dead, diseased or damaged branches. It’s better to remove them completely rather than to chop halfway along the branch. Prune out any congested branches or those that are growing the wrong way too.
Mulch around the tree after pruning to put extra nutrients in the soil.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1 – When is the best time to prune a contorted hazel?
Prune in late winter to early spring, while the tree is dormant and before catkins open. This avoids losing seasonal interest and helps the tree recover quickly.
2 – Can I hard prune my contorted hazel?
Avoid drastic cuts. Instead, remove no more than a third of the oldest stems each year over three years. This keeps the tree healthy and preserves its twisted character.
3 – Can I keep a contorted hazel small for a compact garden?
Definitely. With regular, light pruning, you can manage its size while maintaining its striking form, ideal for smaller spaces.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
Dear David.
I have 40yr old male Hazel which has never been coppiced, it’s a beautiful shape, but the past couple of years, hasn’t produced many catkins,,only right at the top of the tree,,is it worth coppicing or leaving it alone,,it’s under an oak tree and next to a leyland cypress.
Thanks,,Heidi
I couldnt agree with you more, this is great insight and pruning is SO important, appreciate the insight – Todd