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Common Twisted hazel pruning and disease?

#1 · 18th September 2023, 6:20 pm

Hi, I have a tree which I believe is a common hazel (not sure, feel free to correct me!), and a big part of it does not look good. As you can see in the pictures, some leaves look pretty bad compared to other branches. We live in the south of Sweden and have never watered or trimmed the tree since we moved into the house one year ago. Can you see if the problem is a lack of water, a disease, or that it needs to be trimmed. Thank you

Best Regards,

Javo

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#2 · 19th September 2023, 11:21 am

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 19th September 2023, 11:21 am
Hi @javo
Welcome from Sweden to the Garden Ninja forum.
The tree in question is actually a twisted hazel otherwise known as Corylus avellana 'Contorta' or Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, which is a unique and eye-catching shrub known for its twisted and contorted branches. The good news is yours looks pretty healthy! It's similar to common hazel but is bred for its twisted stem shape.
What causes twisted hazel?
it is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This unique characteristic is the result of fasciation, a phenomenon that causes abnormal flattening, twisting, or distortion of plant tissues. Fasciation can affect various plant species, resulting in unusual growth patterns.
In the case of twisted hazel, the fasciation mutation occurred naturally in the wild, leading to the distinctive contorted branches that make the plant so appealing to gardeners. This genetic mutation has been propagated through grafting and selective breeding to create the twisted hazel cultivar commonly seen in gardens today.
The twisted growth pattern of this hazel cultivar is stable and hereditary, meaning that when propagated through cuttings or grafting, the resulting plants will also exhibit the same unique twisted branches. Gardeners and horticulturists value the twisted hazel for its ornamental and architectural appeal, making it a popular choice for landscape design.
Do Twisted hazels drop their leaves in winter?
But they are deciduous so they will lose their leaves coming into winter. This is why the leaves look a bit burnt or orange. The whole tree/shrub will drop its leaves in winter, but don't panic its meant to!
Twisted hazel is generally hardy, but extreme cold or harsh winter winds can damage the branches. Consider providing a burlap windbreak or wrapping the shrub in burlap during particularly harsh winters.
Twisted hazel prefers well-draining soil and does best in full to partial sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not grow as vigorously or display its unique form as prominently.
Ensure the planting location has good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Pruning Twisted Hazel & Crown Lifting
Prune twisted hazel during the late winter or early spring while the shrub is still dormant i.e. no leaves on. This is the best time to shape the plant. A crown lift may be helpful to clear the base and make it look a bit tidier along with mowing around it. You can read my guide on crown lifts here.
https://youtu.be/OsQnwBnf7No
Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, trim any branches that detract from the twisted form.
Be careful not to over-prune, as this can affect the shrub's unique appearance. You may also want to prune out any straight stems which are reversion. I.e. the twisted shape turning back to the common appearance. You can spot these as the leaves will be more open and not twisted either. Cut these right back to the base or next stem to stop them from taking over.
Hope that helps?
Lee

Hi @javo

Welcome from Sweden to the Garden Ninja forum.

The tree in question is actually a twisted hazel otherwise known as Corylus avellana 'Contorta' or Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, which is a unique and eye-catching shrub known for its twisted and contorted branches. The good news is yours looks pretty healthy! It's similar to common hazel but is bred for its twisted stem shape.

What causes twisted hazel?

it is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This unique characteristic is the result of fasciation, a phenomenon that causes abnormal flattening, twisting, or distortion of plant tissues. Fasciation can affect various plant species, resulting in unusual growth patterns.

In the case of twisted hazel, the fasciation mutation occurred naturally in the wild, leading to the distinctive contorted branches that make the plant so appealing to gardeners. This genetic mutation has been propagated through grafting and selective breeding to create the twisted hazel cultivar commonly seen in gardens today.

The twisted growth pattern of this hazel cultivar is stable and hereditary, meaning that when propagated through cuttings or grafting, the resulting plants will also exhibit the same unique twisted branches. Gardeners and horticulturists value the twisted hazel for its ornamental and architectural appeal, making it a popular choice for landscape design.

Do Twisted hazels drop their leaves in winter?

But they are deciduous so they will lose their leaves coming into winter. This is why the leaves look a bit burnt or orange. The whole tree/shrub will drop its leaves in winter, but don't panic its meant to!

Twisted hazel is generally hardy, but extreme cold or harsh winter winds can damage the branches. Consider providing a burlap windbreak or wrapping the shrub in burlap during particularly harsh winters.

Twisted hazel prefers well-draining soil and does best in full to partial sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not grow as vigorously or display its unique form as prominently.

Ensure the planting location has good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Pruning Twisted Hazel & Crown Lifting

Prune twisted hazel during the late winter or early spring while the shrub is still dormant i.e. no leaves on. This is the best time to shape the plant. A crown lift may be helpful to clear the base and make it look a bit tidier along with mowing around it. You can read my guide on crown lifts here.

Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, trim any branches that detract from the twisted form.

Be careful not to over-prune, as this can affect the shrub's unique appearance. You may also want to prune out any straight stems which are reversion. I.e. the twisted shape turning back to the common appearance. You can spot these as the leaves will be more open and not twisted either. Cut these right back to the base or next stem to stop them from taking over.

Hope that helps?

Lee

#3 · 25th September 2023, 8:27 pm

Hi Lee,

Thank you so much for the detailed answer! It took me a while to "digest it" and figure out if I had any follow-up question but your answer is just perfect, you answered everything.

I'll prune it at the end of the winter and let you know if I have any issues or questions then.

Thank again!

Best Regards,

Javo

Lee Garden Ninja has reacted to this post.

#4 · 27th September 2023, 6:51 am

I'm glad to hear my guides are so helpful! I hope the winter is kind this year in Sweden. It's a beautiful country.

All the best

Lee