Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
30m 1
35m 5
35m 6
34m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Ovoid to irregular, very wide (>25m) at maturity 1
At least 8m 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: High (668 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Dense 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Late (May to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 1 to high 3

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree:
800+ years 2
300-1000 years 8

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Arable or pasture, lowland 1
Lowland to semi-upland 2
Arable and pasture systems 5

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices well 3

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Fast-growing 23, usually few significant issues 3
Unpalatable to fallow deer 6

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
Minimal or no pruning 1
Hedges benefit from formative pruning 1 and laying every few years 3

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Late winter to early spring 2

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Nuts 12 – fresh or processed 5, typically using hybrid cultivars 2

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Timber, pulpwood 2
Primarily coppice poles rather than larger timber 5
Max YC 12 4, more typically up to 8 2
Timber often affected by ring shake, especially on longer rotations 2

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: Fuelwood 3, but poor quality 5

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Tannins for leather and preservation, edible mushrooms 5

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: Time to first nut harvest is 3-5 years, full production 10-15 years 2

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Coppice rotation of 12-16 years for fencing, or 25-30 years for pulpwood 6

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
High – moderate root depth and large canopy area
Sometimes planted as soil improver on light soils 6

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Moderate
Long-term (60 years): Moderate

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Long-established introduction (archaeophyte) – cultivated 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Relatively low 5
Highest value for seeds 5