Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
30m 1
20m 2
30m 3
24m 4
30m 5
27m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
A globular to ovoid crown. More conical when young. Up to 15m in width at maturity 1
15m wide 2
Spreading, domed crown 3

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: High (318 sqm)

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

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: Longevity 280 years 1, or 150-200 years 6 or more 8

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Lowland 12
Arable and pasture, more widely grown in AF in France 1
Arable, pasture and veg systems 5

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability:
Orchard tree or open/forest tree 3
Can be pollarded 1

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree:
Protection required from rodents and birds 1
Staking and irrigation required 2
Formative pruning usually necessary in February or late summer 6
Benefits from weeding 16

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
Minimal pruning to remove dead and crossed branches 1
High pruning required for quality timber 24

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Summer or winter (mid) 1

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts:
Nuts 1, typically from varieties 2
Most nuts produced in England have insufficient oil content 2

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
High-value timber 1 or sawnwood 5
Max YC 8 4
Hybrids available with improved vigour (e.g. NG23) but likely lower value 2

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Oil, dye 2

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products:
Grafted trees begin cropping after about 4 years 1
Young trees begin cropping after 5-6 years 2
10 years 4

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Typically 60 years 5, exceptionally 30 years 8

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 – deep roots and large canopy area

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): Moderate
Medium-term (40 years): Moderate
Long-term (60 years): Relatively low

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 mycorrhizal fungi and leaf litter 5