When is the best time to cut the hornbeam hedge? Deciduous hedges, such as hornbeam, need to be trimmed after the summer growth spurt but before the leaves change color and fall off. The month of September is ideal for this.
Hedges lose their original appearance and intended shape if not trimmed regularly. Hornbeams have two separate growth spurts each year, the first in spring and the second in late summer. Ideally, they should be cut back after each growth spurt.
The hornbeam, also known asCarpinus betulus, is a deciduous tree often used as a hedge.
What is special about the hornbeam?
Semi-evergreen and cold-hardy, hornbeam hedges have attractive green foliage that turns orange or yellow in autumn and then falls. The hairy branches and finely serrated leaves of a hornbeam hedge distinguish it from other types of hedge. This natural hedge plant is not only attractive, but also serves as a food source as its “catkins” (hop-like fruits) ripen in summer. Nutlets develop over time - many different types of birdsare in autumnrely on these nuts to feed themselves. Due to their dense growth, hornbeams can also provide excellent nesting sites in spring.
Note the following:
- Plant hornbeams individually or in groups to create a beautiful hedge. The trunks of the hedge should be at least 1 meter apart.
- The hornbeam thrives well in the blazing sun.
- However, she doesn't like to stand in the sun for long and feels more comfortable in a cool environment.
- As long as the ground stays cold, soil quality doesn't matter.
This is how the pruning works
Important tip:In contrast to hedge trimmers, secateurs are ideal for creating deciduous hedges. If their large leaves are cut too roughly, they can turn brown. A dense and visually appealing hedge is the result of careful pruning with secateurs.
Deciduous hedges such as hornbeams and privet lose their leaves after a growth spurt in summer. Hornbeams need to be cut back before their leaves change color and fall off.
What you need:
- secateurs
- Rasenharke
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1
To find out how much new growth your hornbeam hedge has had this year, inspect it before cutting. The amount of new growth on a plant can vary greatly depending on the environment. If your hornbeam suffers from too much direct sunlight, you can improve its health by pruning the hedge so that there is more growth at the bottom and a little less on the top and top sides of the plant.
Determine how much development has occurred. You can tell which wood is new and which is older because the new growth has leaves and the older wood is bare. Hedge plants do best when they receive more light, which is why their tips and tops tend to grow quickly. They require more severe pruning than the lower hedge.
- Step 2
It is important to always remove enough so that the hedge regains its original shape and size. Any new shoots that stick out should be left at the base if you want the hedge to grow even larger. Many people make the mistake of letting newly planted hedges grow to the correct height without any topiary. However, you should trim your hedge every year from the start so that it branches properly and develops into a nice, dense hedge.
- Step 3
Run across the entire width of the hedge, keeping the cutting arm perpendicular to your body to keep the tip even. Periodically check the height and uniformity from a distance.
- Step 4
As you work, you should clear the hedge debris out of the way. When the crown of the hedge is finished,is pruningthe pages are child's play. It's best to start cutting from top to bottom, gradually narrowing the sides until the base is slightly wider than the tip.
- Step 5
Check the hedge again for new growth and cut it back if necessary. Collect the clippings and throw them into the compost bin. If necessary, you can also cut them into smaller pieces. They should decompose quickly and become a valuable mulch that you can spread under your hedge next fall.
Reduce the risk of road salt damage in winter
In the first winterafter plantingFor a hornbeam hedge, it makes sense to cover the roots with a three to five centimeter thick layer of bark mulch. In the winter months, it is advisable to mulch a hornbeam hedge that is on a gritted path or roadside with straw to protect it from splashing water. It is important to grass the area around the hornbeam hedge after planting to prevent salty meltwater from seeping into the ground and killing the hedge.
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