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Renovation techniques

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Coppicing

Coppicing is the act of cutting down trees or shrubs, with the specific purpose of having them sprout back.  Sprouts may come directly from the roots as “suckers” or from the stumps.  Aspen trees are well-known for their ability to sucker from the roots.  This method of regenerating new plants is especially valuable for regenerating or rejuvenating deciduous shrubs (Figure 3-4).

Stumps should be cut at four to six inches above the ground.  The trees or shrubs should be cut when they are dormant to get the greatest amount of regrowth, preferably late winter or early spring.  Shrubs may grow to as much as 1/2 to 2/3 of their original height during the first growing season after cutting.  Regrowth can occur when trees are cut at other times of the year, but it won’t be its maximum.

Figure 3-4.  Coppicing red-osier dogwood shrubs near Bismarck, N.D., March 2004.  A. The initial cutting was done using hand loppers for small material, and a chainsaw for larger stems.  B. Stumps were cut at four to six inches above the ground.  C. Shrubs grew six feet tall during the first summer after coppicing.  Photos courtesy of Craig Stange, Natural Resources Conservation Service.