Maintenance & Aftercare
The overall objective is to produce a high quality, straight, clean stem which can be milled into, an average of, 35-40 bats per stem. Allowing side branches to develop or for damage to be caused by animals or machinery can result in knots forming in the timber, vastly reducing the value of the stem.
Why do we offer free maintenance? Every year the apical tip dies and so it is essential that pruning takes place to ensure a straight grown pole is achieved. We are the only company to offer free maintenance. with no hidden deductions, as we understand and don’t underestimate the importance of caring for the trees to produce high quality clefts. These are ultimately made into top grade bats, allowing us to pay the best price to the landowners for their trees.
When is maintenance carried out? Maintenance is carried out twice a year, in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (Sept-Oct) for the full life of the tree, although after about 7 years from planting, the bark tends to harden and the occurrence of shoots declines markedly.
How is maintenance carried out effectively? We prune up to a safe height so that the tree doesn't suffer from wind damage. We use a pruning stick if shoots have started to become woody and cut shoots off flush with the stem using an upward movement, never pulled off, cut downwards or cut with secateurs. This process is necessary until the bark occludes - failure to do so could devalue the crop significantly. We also carry out crown raising which is where we cut off the lower branches of the canopy where appropriate to elongate the main stem, creating more usable, valuable timber.
What can I do to help care for the trees and can I use weed killer? Weed control is important to reduce competition for nutrients and water although it is important some low vegetation is left so the base of the tree is not over exposed to the elements and to drying out. You can use weed killer (not hormone based weed killer) around the base but this can leave the soil too exposed. The time of spraying is critical and it has to be done in early spring before the trees start to produce side shoots, after this time the chemical is easily absorbed into the bark and can damage the tree.
What we advise:
Strimming is what we advise as best practice (but be very careful not to nick the tree) and always leave some vegetation lower down so the soil is not too exposed. This also allows for ease of access when we come to maintain the trees or harvest them at the end of their rotation.
If you want cattle or sheep to graze, we advise fencing off with electric or wood fencing for the first 7 years of growth. Fencing off the whole area would be the cheaper than fencing individual trees and allows for ease of access when English Willow come to maintain and harvest the trees.
Emergency watering using a bowser during drought periods can help to minimise losses when the Sets are still young.
Controlling vermin. Squirrels, in particular can cause crown damage which can stunt tree growth, both of which have significant timber quality implications.
Heeling in after high winds & a few weeks after they’ve been newly planted would be beneficial
If you have cricket bat willows that require maintenance, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
01865 238 945
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