In message , Janet Baraclough
writes
The message
from NogbadtheCool contains these words:

Hi all
Part of my fence around the garden is a row of ancient hawthorn, very
tall now and lovely with berries, but at the base they're old and
gappy. Anyone can stroll through.
Does anyone know if I chop them back to about head height will they re-
grow from the ground and make a nice impenetrable tangle, or will they
grow from head height again?
If the latter, any suggestions about filling in the gaps?

No need to fill in You can lay the existing plants (look up laying a
hedge on the net) and create a secure barrier no human can walk through,
an excellent windbreak, wildlife habitat and a very attractive dense
hedge. For nothing.
Its not hard to do; and while there are specialist tools , you can
improvise perfectly well enough with loppers and a saw.

Your library will have books with pictures and instructions; or you
could probably find a local course run by conservation charities etc.


Janet

I agree that laying is an excellent (but not easy) solution in many
cases, however, the OP mentions that the hawthorns are ancient which may
present some problems. While hawthorn is a good candidate for laying
and is usually good at recovering and producing re-growth this could be
a bit hit and miss if the trees are very old, particularly if they are
very thick at the base. I wonder if the trees produce new growth if
pruned back hard. Perhaps an initial experiment in the Spring with one
or two trees would provide an indication. If the OP wants to try it the
BTCV have some useful online guidance, starting at:
http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handboo...ent/chapter/72

If the trees are very thick at the base but are still capable of
producing new growth, coppicing may be the answer but a temporary fence
may be necessary.

The alternative would be gapping up with hawthorn whips or something
else suitable.
--
Robert