Opinions differ on the question of whether hornbeam hedges should be cut in autumn or better in spring. Many experienced gardeners recommend trimming the hornbeam hedge in spring. You should not cut older hornbeam hedges in autumn.
Is cutting a hornbeam hedge recommended in autumn?
Should you cut a hornbeam hedge in autumn? In autumn it is advisable to only prune newly planted hornbeam hedges. Older hornbeam hedges should be trimmed in spring and July/August to ensure optimal growth and bird protection.
Cutting the hornbeam hedge after planting in autumn
Hornbeam hedges are planted in autumn. The first cut takes place immediately after planting, i.e. in autumn.
All shoots that have not yet branched are cut. Cut it back so that at least three eyes remain on the branch from which the hornbeam can sprout in spring.
So that the hornbeam hedge quickly becomes dense, it must be cut up to six times in the first few years. The final cut takes place in early autumn.
Do not cut the hornbeam hedge from March to July
If you want to radically cut back hornbeam hedges, the best time to do this is spring or from August onwards. From March to July you should generally not cut back hedges too much as many birds breed in them.
Before you reach for the scissors, check whether there are still inhabited nests in the hedge and, if necessary, postpone cutting until a later date.
Do not cut older hornbeam hedges in autumn
The best months for trimming hornbeam hedges are:
- February/beginning of March
- July/August
- after planting in autumn
Once the hornbeam hedge has reached the desired height, it is only cut twice a year.
The first pruning, which can be heavier, is done in early spring, before the hornbeam hedge sprouts.
The second cut will be carried out from the end of June. In the fall, the hornbeam hedge should no longer be cut.
Rejuvenate hornbeams from August
Older hornbeam hedges should be rejuvenated regularly so that the hedge remains nice and dense at the bottom. The best time for this radical pruning is from the beginning of August. The trees then no longer sprout strongly and do not lose as much sap.
Tip
Basically, you can cut a hornbeam hedge into any shape you want. However, for very tall hedges, it is advisable to make them ten centimeters wider at the bottom and tapered towards the top. Then the hedge will not go bald as quickly and rejuvenation will not be necessary as often.
