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Curly beech?

Potty LottiePotty Lottie Posts: 45
in Plants
Hi folks I have a curly beech (I think) and it is encroaching on a lovely sitting area. The branches are very attractive in the winter but it is sticky, heavy with large leaves and prevents us sitting on our lovely stone circle in the sun, in the summer. 
Question is, can I cut it back now, can I really prune it hard back? It has, underneath, some really big trunks that have been previously cut back possibly years ago. It does actually look quite ugly underneath. My husband (under Gardener!) is for getting it gone completely. I am half in hs camp but don’t want to get rid of what could possibly be a coutured tree with a little bit/lot of care. I also appreciate that it has been a difficult year weather wise for all our plants so want to do the right thing.  
It sits in a darker, shadier part of the garden. Get some sun behind it in the evening and a little in the mornings.
I would appreciate any thoughts.
Pics to follow.

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Are you sure it's not a corkscrew hazelnut?   Beech can be cut now, but Hazel will have to wait until the leaves drop.
  • Potty LottiePotty Lottie Posts: 45
  • Potty LottiePotty Lottie Posts: 45
    In truth I really don’t know! How would I know? I am not aware of any hazelnuts, does it produce any on the corkscrew hazelnut? 
  • Potty LottiePotty Lottie Posts: 45
    Hence the photos, I would love someone out there to identify if possible but I can always take some leaves and pics to our local garden centre who has a pretty good nurseryman there.
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Corkscrew Hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') ; and yes , they do sometimes bear 'nuts' .
    As fidgetbones says , prune when dormant ; (at least you'll be able to see what you're doing ) ;).
    Remove any straight shoots which invariably appear from the bottom .
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Yes, definitely a corkscrew hazel. Prune when dormant. Mine has nuts on, but the squirrels usually eat them before they ripen.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think I'd be inclined to agree with your hubby. It's encroaching a lot on your nice little patio area. It's not the best plant for the space. You'd need to keep it pruned regularly to keep it appropriate.
    Perhaps it's time to consider removing and replacing with something more suited? I appreciate that it's maybe not what you want to hear, and it could be tricky to get out, but if it's preventing you from using the space, it might be the best option.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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