Hazelnut shrubs should be pruned every 2–4 years to maintain healthy growth and good yields. Without pruning, the shrubs grow too dense, and nut production declines.
General Guidelines:
- Remove old branches at ground level or lower fork points, leaving room for strong new shoots.
- Thin out weak or overly dense branches every few years.
- If unpruned for years, cut the shrub back to knee height (“coppicing”).
Training Hazelnuts as Trees:
- Choose 4–5 main branches to form an open, well-lit crown.
- Remove all other branches and shoots below the crown.
- Prune upright shoots early to maintain shape.
Additional Tips:
- Hazelnuts thrive in sunny areas with proper spacing: ~5 meters for shrubs, ~6 meters for trees.
- Keep the soil clear of weeds to prevent pests like mice or hazelnut weevils.
- Preserve wildlife, such as hazel dormice, which feed on the nutritious nuts and are an endangered species.