Hornbeam hedges are very popular in garden design because of their ease of care. Planting a hornbeam hedge does not require much gardening knowledge. Even beginners can easily create one themselves. A short guide on how to properly plant a hornbeam hedge.
How do I plant a hornbeam hedge correctly?
To plant a hornbeam hedge, choose a sunny or shady location, prepare the humus-rich soil, plant the hornbeams in autumn at a distance of approx.50 cm and then water well. Cut the trees for the first time immediately after planting.
Which location is suitable for a hornbeam hedge?
The hornbeam hedge is not picky when it comes to location. It tolerates sunny locations just as well as shade. Beautiful, dense hornbeam hedges can be planted even on slopes. A light windbreak is advisable at the beginning.
What should the soil be like?
The hornbeam hedge is also not demanding when it comes to soil conditions. It even grows on sandy soils, but then needs to be fertilized more often.
The soil should be slightly cold and humus-rich. Loosen it well before planting, because the hornbeam hedge doesn't like waterlogging either.
When is the best time to plant?
Like all hedge trees, you should plant a hornbeam hedge in late autumn because the soil moisture is ideal. If you don't have time until spring, buy plants with balls or in containers. However, you will then have to water frequently. Nevertheless, it is not always possible to prevent several trees from dying during a spring planting.
How large should the planting distance be?
In a finished hedge, the planting distance should be around 50 centimeters. There are two plants per meter of hornbeam hedge.
If you have planted the hornbeams closer together, you should remove a few trees as soon as the hedge has grown nice and thick.
How do you create the hornbeam hedge correctly?
Dig a trench about 40 centimeters deep and 30 centimeters wide. Mix in mature compost (€41.00 at Amazon) and, if necessary, create drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Do not plant the hornbeams too deep in the ground and then tamp it down well. A plant support makes sense if the location is somewhat windy.
After planting, the hornbeam hedge must be watered well. The trees are then cut for the first time.
How fast do hornbeam hedges grow?
Initially growth is somewhat slower. Older trees gain between 30 and 40 centimeters in height per year. Hornbeams are among the fast-growing plants.
How are hornbeam hedges propagated?
Propagation takes place via
- Sowing the nuts
- Cuttings
- Lowers
- offshoot
Propagate a hornbeam hedge by sowing it takes a very long time. It's easier with cuttings. Since hornbeams form offshoots, you can simply dig them up and plant them in the desired location.
What plants do hornbeam hedges get along with?
Hornbeam hedges don't take up a lot of space. In the wild they can often be found near oaks, beeches and other deciduous trees.
Tip
Planting a red beech hedge or rather a hornbeam hedge – many gardeners ask themselves these questions. A hornbeam hedge is less demanding in terms of location and soil. It also grows in sandy soils and tolerates drought better.
