How to prune european hazel 'witchford'

Late winter, once catkins have finished (February–March in most regions). Annually cut 1–2 of the oldest stems to ground level. On grafted plants, trace any suckers below the graft union and remove them at the root. Keep the centre open by removing inward-growing or crossing shoots to improve air flow and light.

Annually. Hazel 'Witchford' responds well to the same open-centre renovation approach used for other Corylus avellana cultivars. Annual removal of the oldest stems keeps cropping wood young and light penetration high. Sucker removal is especially important in grafted specimens — rootstock suckers must be cut out at the source.

Annually cut 1–2 of the oldest stems to ground level. On grafted plants, trace any suckers below the graft union and remove them at the root. Keep the centre open by removing inward-growing or crossing shoots to improve air flow and light.