I have looked online and cannot find any instructions on what I should do with my two hazelnuts. All the info says to start pruning them young. Well, they're waaaaaaaay beyond that now!

They were overgrown when I bought this place, and they're worse now. I doubt they have ever been pruned. They look like they started suckering right after the original whip was planted.

The base of suckers is about 3 feet across. I can't even guess how many suckers there are. There is no main tree trunk in the middle, it's all suckers.

So, is there anything I can do? Or do I just bring in the Chainsaw Guy and have him mow them down?

I could only find one photo online that was somewhat similar, and that's this one (I think mine is worse): http://ckenb.blogspot.com/2012/08/things-that-have-to-go.html

Sue