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Organic hazelnut weed management

Last updated on February 6, 2025

Find information about how to manage weeds in an organic hazelnut orchard. Mature orchards tend to have few weed problems due to shading but weeds can be an issue in younger orchards.

Organics and herbicide

There are no herbicides allowed in organic production registered in Canada.

Other management practices

Irrigation management, cultivation around the trees, mulching, and flaming are cultural controls used by both organic and conventional growers. There are times of the year when growth around the trees does not harm and can even be helpful. It is both possible and desirable to develop a tolerance for weed growth, or to even encourage certain beneficial species to grow around the tree.

Taking a holistic approach

Organic production is about taking a holistic approach to your farm system and being aware of the repercussions of every action. For example, mulching around tree trunks may seem like a great idea to manage annuals weeds but what happens if this causes a rodent problem?

Becoming an organic producer means responding and working with your system to create a balanced healthy population of predators and parasites, healthy soil, and plant communities. It is not a quick fix but is very rewarding in the long-run

This guide does not provide a full listing of service contacts for the industry.  The B.C. Hazelnut Growers Association may be able to assist you to find the information or services required.

References provided within the body of the guide and summarized in the appendix provide sources deemed useful by industry associations, government agencies or universities. Not all information provided may be applicable to the specific growing conditions of your farm.