Hazel Trees: A Guide to Growing and Caring
Introduction
Hazel trees are beautiful and versatile trees that are native to Europe and Asia. They are popular for their edible nuts, wildlife value, and attractive foliage. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow and care for hazel trees in your own garden.
Identifying Hazel Trees
Hazel trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. They have soft, round leaves with jagged edges and pointed tips. The underside of the leaves is hairy.
In late winter or early spring, hazel trees produce long, drooping catkins. These catkins are the male flowers of the tree. The female flowers are small and red, and they appear as wispy petals protruding from a small bud.
Types of Hazel Trees
There are two main types of hazel trees:
- Cobnut (Corylus avellana): This is the most common type of hazel tree. It produces large, round nuts.
- Filbert (Corylus maxima): This type of hazel tree produces smaller, oblong nuts.
Planting and Growing Hazel Trees
Hazel trees prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. They are hardy trees that can tolerate most soil conditions, but they will not thrive in waterlogged soil.
To plant a hazel tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree well after planting.
Pruning Hazel Trees
Hazel trees only require light pruning. In late winter or early spring, cut out any diseased, damaged, or dead stems. Remove any suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the tree.
If you are growing hazel trees for nuts, you may want to prune them more heavily to encourage fruit production. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to flower.
Harvesting Hazel Nuts
Hazel nuts are ready to harvest in the fall, when the husks turn brown and start to split open. To harvest the nuts, simply shake the tree or knock the branches with a stick. The nuts will fall to the ground, where you can collect them.
Benefits of Hazel Trees
Hazel trees provide a number of benefits, including:
- Food for wildlife: Hazel nuts are a valuable food source for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
- Habitat for wildlife: Hazel trees provide a dense canopy that provides shelter for birds and other animals.
- Erosion control: The roots of hazel trees help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion.
- Ornamental value: Hazel trees are attractive trees with interesting foliage and flowers. They can be used as hedges, screens, or specimen trees.
Conclusion
Hazel trees are easy to grow and care for, and they provide a number of benefits for both people and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a tree to add to your landscape or a source of food for your family, a hazel tree is a great choice.