Corkscrew Hazel going straight

[emmay35]

Now that the leaves have fallen off my corkscrew hazel I've discovered lots if straight branches. Is this normal?

[woofgang]

Yes its normal. The corkscrew hazel is a "sport" that is to say a naturally occurring mutation from the norm, like variegated plants. They do tend to revert to the normal kind of growth and these growths are more robust. If left unchecked they will take over the plant and you will lose the characteristic that you bought it for. What to do? prune them out back to the point at which the straight bits arise in the plant.

[gardenknowin]

Would agree entirely with woofgang - Corylus avellana contorta is one of my favourite shrubs/trees - prune the straight stems back to growth point; if you don't do this they will take over the tree, and you will begin to lose the contorted effect. You could always use the straight offcuts as bean/tomato supports next year! Don't be afraid to be ruthless with your secateurs/loppers, they are very resilient plants - but I would suggest you smear a liitle "fruit tree grease" over the cut ends. Best of luck.

[logman]

Yes, good advice to both above, if you dont want it to revert to the wild form. I would try and find a frost free period between now and the start of feb, as the sap rises very early with hazel