Hornbeam hedges are available comparatively inexpensively in stores. The costs you incur per meter of hedge length depend on various factors. This includes the planting distance as well as the question of whether you buy bare-root plants, balled or container hornbeams.
How much does a hornbeam hedge cost per meter?
The price of a hornbeam hedge depends on the length of the hedge, the planting distance, the height of the plants when purchased and the type of plant (bare root, ball or container plants). With a normal planting distance of 50 centimeters, you need two hornbeams per meter, which costs around 60 to 100 euros for 50 plants in stores.
Factors for the price of a hornbeam hedge
- Length of the hedge
- Planting spacing
- Height of hornbeams when purchasing
- Bare-rooted, balled or container plants
Currently (as of August 2016) the price for 50 plants with balls and a height of 40 to 60 centimeters is around 60 to 100 euros. It also depends on whether you buy the plants by mail order or locally from a specialist nursery.
Hornbeams are a lot more expensive in specialist shops. On the other hand, the plants are often of better quality and the dealer gives a growth guarantee.
How many plants do you need per meter of hedge length?
The price of a hornbeam hedge depends primarily on how many plants you want to plant per meter. The normal distance is 50 centimeters, so you need two hornbeams per meter of hedge length.
If you want your hedge to become very dense and tall very quickly, you can also plant three to four taller plants per meter. This of course makes the hedge significantly more expensive. You also have to take out the excess trees after a few years.
Since hornbeams are very fast-growing and increase in height and width by between 30 and 40 centimeters per year, the additional expenditure is usually not worth it.
Bare-rooted plants are the cheapest
The hornbeam hedge will be cheapest if you buy bare-root plants. They are delivered without soil and must be kept moist and watered before planting.
Balled plants are delivered with soil. The root ball is protected with a cloth. The hornbeams grow faster. Both bare root and balled plants should be planted as soon as possible in the fall.
Container plants are the most expensive. They are sold in pots and almost always grow. You can plant hornbeams in containers from October to May, as long as it doesn't freeze outside.
Tip
You can also propagate hornbeam hedges yourself by cutting cuttings, sowing nuts or digging up offshoots. However, given the comparatively low price of plants from the breeder, the effort is hardly worth it.
