Planting a hazel tree

They are good for wildlife and have many uses, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

APART from those that fruit, two of the most useful trees in the garden are hazel and willow. They are beautiful and their wood can be cut time and again for a range of uses without killing the tree.

Several years ago we planted a native hedge using little bare-root whips, including a number of hazels.

One was left surplus to requirement and we were obviously loath to ditch it so we planted it up in a large pot where it flourished. We didn’t want this to be its ‘forever home’, so when an ancient viburnum died in the front garden leaving room for something new in another area of hedge, we decided it was the ideal spot for the hazel.

It has adequate space to grow, though it was quite a job to clear the planting area of roots and ivy in order to give the relocated tree its best chance.