Which month should I coppice my 12 year old ash trees

[Mike]

Hi,

I live in Co.Clare, in the West of Ireland. Twelve years ago I planted a few acres of ash which I plan to coppice in rotation. I was wondering which month in winter should I begin coppicing.

Mike

[Binz]

Hi Mike

there's different views, traditionally late autumn but some say late summer is OK. Take a look at the coppice section in the new free book at http://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/books.php#managing-your-woodland-for-wildlife

[Mike]

Hi Binz,,

that's great, I'll check it out

[coppiceer]

Are your Ash trees in a block or in intimate mixture with other species?

There is no point in hanging about once the leaves are off the trees and you can see what you are doing, but you might want to consider the effects on your coppice regrowth if you suddenly let too much more light onto the coppice stools.

As trees grow towards the light, if you let it come from all directions then your new shoots will grow in all directions and become crooked and bent.