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What is a hazel hurdle?
A hazel hurdle is a type of traditional garden fencing made from woven hazel branches. Skilled craftspeople create these hurdles by hand, using age-old techniques that involve splitting and weaving hazel rods. The result is a sturdy, eco-friendly barrier that blends seamlessly with natural landscapes. Hazel hurdles are prized for their rustic aesthetic and are often used to add a touch of charm to gardens.
How do you secure hazel hurdles?
Securing hazel hurdles involves firmly planting posts into the ground regularly and fastening the hurdles to these supports.
The posts should be driven deep enough to hold the weight of the hurdle and resist wind pressure. Once the posts are in place, wire or screws can be used to attach the hurdles, ensuring they are level. It’s important to use corrosion-resistant fixings to prevent rusting and ensure longevity.
How do you fix hazel fence panels?
Fixing hazel fence panels is similar to securing hurdles. First, establish a line where the fence will go and dig holes for the upright posts. After setting the posts in concrete for stability, place the hazel panels against them. Fix the panels to the posts using appropriate fixings, attaching at multiple points along the panel to distribute weight evenly. Care should be taken not to split the hazel rods when fixing them in place.
What is the lifespan of a hazel fence?
The lifespan of a hazel fence can vary depending on environmental conditions typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. The natural oils in hazelwood give it a degree of resistance to decay, but over time, exposure to moisture, and fungal growth can lead to degradation. To extend the life of a hazel fence, it’s advisable to treat it with a wood preservative and ensure that it’s not in constant contact with soil.
Can you bend hazel hurdles?
Hazel hurdles have some flexibility and can be gently bent to fit slight curves in a garden layout. The fresh hazel rods used in making these hurdles are somewhat pliable, allowing for a moderate amount of shaping. However, excessive bending can cause the wood to crack or break, so it’s important to handle the hurdles with care and not force them into sharp angles.
How long do hazel hurdles last?
Hazel hurdles can last for a considerable time, typically between 5 to 10 years, depending on their exposure to the elements and how well they are maintained. Regular maintenance, including applying wood preservative treatments and avoiding direct contact with ground moisture, can extend their lifespan. Proper installation with robust posts and secure fixings also helps ensure that they withstand the weather.
How do you fix hazel hurdles to posts?
To fix hazel hurdles to posts, position the hurdles between sturdy wooden or metal posts spaced according to the width of the hurdles. Use galvanized nails, screws, or wire to attach the hurdles to the posts at multiple points along their height. It’s important to fix the hurdles firmly to prevent them from swaying and suffering damage in windy conditions.
What size do hazel hurdles come in?
Hazel hurdles are typically available in a range of sizes to suit various needs. Common heights range from 3 to 6 feet, while the lengths can vary from 3 to 6 feet wide.
Can you cut hazel screening to size?
Hazel screening can be cut to size to fit specific areas, though it requires a careful approach to prevent unraveling the woven rods. You can trim the edges using sharp tools such as a hand saw or pruners, but it’s important to secure the ends after cutting to maintain the integrity of the weave. If possible, plan the layout to minimize the need for cutting and use full panels where possible.
How do you attach a hazel screening to a fence?
Attaching hazel screening to a fence involves unrolling the screening along the length of the existing fence and fixing it in place with wire or cable ties at regular intervals. It’s important to ensure the screening is taut and secure to prevent sagging. For a more permanent fix, you can use screws and washers, especially at the top and bottom of the screening to maintain its position and structure.
How do I keep my hazel fence panels from sagging?
To prevent hazel fence panels from sagging, ensure they are properly supported by sturdy posts. Use horizontal rails between the posts for the panels to rest on and fix them securely in place with screws or wire. Additionally, avoid heavy loads such as climbing plants that might weigh down the panels over time.
How do I make my hazel fence panels look nice?
To keep hazel fence panels looking nice, clean them regularly to remove dirt and debris. Apply a clear wood preservative to enhance their natural color and protect them against the elements. Trimming any irregularities and maintaining the surrounding area will also help in keeping the aesthetic appeal of your hazel fence.
How do I stop my hazel fence panels from coming out?
To stop hazel fence panels from coming out, secure them firmly to posts with screws or wire. Check the fixings periodically and tighten them if necessary. Make sure the base of the panels is stable and consider using concrete or metal bases to anchor the posts if the ground is soft.
Does hazelwood rot easily?
Hazelwood does not rot easily compared to some other types of wood. It contains natural oils that offer a degree of protection. However, like all wood, if hazel is left in damp conditions or contact with the ground, it can begin to deteriorate over time. Proper installation and treatment can extend its lifespan significantly.
How do you maintain a hazel fence?
Maintaining a hazel fence involves periodic cleaning, treating it with wood preservatives, and ensuring it’s not in contact with wet ground. Additionally, checking the fixings and supports for signs of wear and tear and replacing them when necessary will help to maintain its structure.
How long does a hazel fence take to grow?
A hazel fence made from living plants, as opposed to harvested wood, can take several years to establish itself. The growth rate will depend on the conditions, but hazel can grow 12-20 inches per year. For a dense, mature fence, it might take around 3-5 years.
Is there a wooden hazel fence that will last 10 years?
A well-maintained hazel fence can last up to 10 years. The key to longevity is installation away from ground moisture, regular maintenance, and the application of wood preservatives to protect from decay and weathering.
How fast does a hazel fence grow?
If referring to a living hazel fence, it can grow quite quickly under good conditions, averaging 12-20 inches per year. With proper care and favorable conditions, a living fence can establish itself robustly in just a few years.
What are hurdles made out of?
Hurdles are traditionally made out of woven wooden branches, with hazel being a popular choice due to its flexibility and strength. Willow is another common material. The branches are woven between sturdy uprights to create a panel.
How do you make a hazel hurdle?
To make a hazel hurdle, select straight, flexible hazel rods and weave them between upright stakes driven into the ground. The stakes are typically made from sturdier rods, and the weaving process involves alternating the hazel rods on either side of each upright to create a durable interlaced panel.
How do you treat hazel hurdles?
Treat hazel hurdles with a wood preservative to protect against rot, fungal decay, and insect infestations. It’s best to apply the preservative annually, and you should choose a product that is clear or matches the color of the hazelwood to maintain its natural look.
How much hazel does it take to make a hurdle?
The amount of hazel required to make a hurdle depends on the size and thickness you want to create. A typical hurdle of about 6 feet by 3 feet might use between 20 and 30 straight hazel rods for the weave, plus additional rods for the uprights.
How do you stiffen a fence post?
To stiffen a fence post, ensure it’s set deeply enough in the ground, typically at least 2 feet or a third of the post’s height. Using concrete to set the post can add stability. Bracing the post with additional timber or metal supports can also help if the post is already installed.
How do you protect hazel hurdles?
Protect hazel hurdles by applying a waterproofing wood preservative, raising them slightly off the ground to prevent moisture absorption, and avoiding heavy plants that might cause strain. Regularly inspect and repair any damages to prolong their life.
What size are hazel hurdles?
Hazel hurdles come in a variety of sizes, with common heights ranging from 3 to 6 feet and widths typically from 3 to 6 feet as well. Custom sizes are also available to suit different requirements.
What does hurdle mean in Old English?
In Old English, the word “hurdle” is derived from “hyrdel,” which refers to a portable section of woven fence or a frame of intertwined twigs or branches, often used for temporary fencing.
What is the difference between willow hurdles and hazel hurdles?
Willow and hazel hurdles differ in materials and appearance. Willow hurdles are made from the willow tree’s flexible branches, offering a darker and more uniform weave, while hazel hurdles, crafted from hazel tree branches, provide a more rustic look with greater variation in thickness and color. Durability can also vary, with hazel generally being more robust.
What is a Dorset hurdle?
A Dorset hurdle is a traditional type of woven wooden fencing, originating from Dorset, England. It is characterized by its thick, robust weave, using split and whole hazel rods, and is often used for livestock enclosures and garden features.
How do you Coppice a hazel tree?
To coppice a hazel tree, cut it back to a stump (known as a stool) during its dormant season, which is typically in late winter. This method encourages new shoots to grow from the base, which can then be harvested on a rotational basis every 7-15 years, depending on the intended use.
What is a wattle hurdle?
A wattle hurdle is a type of fence panel or edging made from woven wooden slats, usually willow or hazel. It is an ancient craft used for creating enclosures, windbreaks, and garden features.
What is the difference between Dorset Horn and Dorset Down?
The Dorset Horn and Dorset Down are two different breeds of sheep.
What is a wooden hurdle?
A wooden hurdle is a movable panel used for fencing or animal enclosures, made by weaving wooden branches or slats between upright stakes.
It has been used historically for sheep enclosures and is also popular in gardens and livestock management.
Can you Pollard a corkscrew hazel?
Pollarding, which is cutting back the tree to its trunk to promote a dense head of foliage, is not typically recommended for a corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’) due to its unique twisted branches. Pruning should be minimal to maintain its ornamental form.
How do you preserve hazel hurdles?
To preserve hazel hurdles, apply a natural wood preservative or linseed oil to protect against the weather and decay. Raise the hurdles off the ground to prevent rotting and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
Can you use fresh hazel for weaving?
Yes, fresh hazel is excellent for weaving due to its flexibility. Green hazel rods can be manipulated without snapping, which makes them ideal for crafting hurdles and wattle structures.
How long does Hazel last outside?
Hazelwood can last for about 5-7 years without treatment, but with proper maintenance and preservative treatment, its lifespan can extend up to 10 years.
How long do hazel branches last?
Hazel branches used in construction can last several years. If used in living structures, like living fences or tunnels, they can last indefinitely as they grow. As cut wood, their lifespan depends on environmental conditions and treatment, ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Where can I buy Hazel hurdles?
Hazel hurdles can be purchased from garden centers, fence supply companies, or directly from craftsmen who specialize in traditional woodcrafts. They can also be found online through various retailers or marketplace platforms.
How much are hazel hurdles?
The price of hazel hurdles varies depending on size, craftsmanship, and seller. Smaller hurdles might cost less, while large, artisan-made panels could be more expensive. Prices typically range from about £30 to over £100 per panel.
In conclusion
The timeless appeal and sustainable qualities of hazel hurdles mark them as a choice of natural beauty and practical function for gardens and landscapes.
With proper care, including coppicing and preservation techniques, these living pieces of history not only offer seclusion and rustic elegance but also endure as part of the landscape for years, sometimes outlasting conventional fencing materials.
Investing in hazel hurdles is more than a purchase—it’s an investment in a piece of the earth’s natural history, artfully woven into the tapestry of our daily lives.
Whether nestled in a quaint English garden or standing proudly in a modern eco-conscious space, hazel hurdles serve as a testament to the enduring relationship between nature and human ingenuity.