we planted hybrid poplar trees 4 yrs ago, planted 3 ft apart, double rows, as recommended by the supplier (bowhayes)
they have grown well over 18ft, trunks about 8 inches in diameter. all been fine but this year they are snapping off completely in the wind at about 4ft high level. we havent even had strong winds yet and have lost about 10 % already.
anyone experienced this or any suggestions? wev have never used a stake at all as they were planted as 2ft sticks. we must have 80 trees so staking them all at 6 ft high is gona be expensive. maybe topping them would increase strength as in similar to willows?
i know the poplars can grow very big if a single tree, but they were planted as a quick screen / hedge and spacings wer what was recommended..
shame to see them being snapped off, ideas anyone?