Without regular trimming, the fast-growing hornbeam hedge will not become dense and will quickly look overgrown. You should therefore cut older hedges twice a year. When is the best time to trim hornbeam hedges?
When should you trim a hornbeam hedge?
The best time to trim a hornbeam hedge is in early spring, preferably February, for a radical cut and after St. John's Day (24. June) for a light topiary. Avoid cuts during the bird breeding season from March to the end of June and choose days that are frost-free and not too hot.
The first cut takes place in spring
The best time for radically cutting the hornbeam hedge is not autumn, as many gardeners believe, but early spring, preferably February. Then the plants have not yet started sprouting and can cope better with heavy pruning.
In addition, no birds will nest in the hedge, which would be disturbed by this.
Cut a second time after St. John's Day
The second cut, a light topiary cut, is done after St. John's Day, which is June 24th. Shortly before that, the hornbeam hedge has another, albeit smaller, shoot.
Do not prune too heavily from March to the end of June
During the birds' breeding season, hedges may only be trimmed very lightly. Before you reach for the scissors, check whether there are still inhabited nests in the hornbeam hedge.
The right day to cut the hornbeam hedge
The right day also plays a role when cutting hornbeam hedges. In winter, a frost-free day with at least 5 degrees Celsius is ideal.
In summer, cut the hedge on a cloudy day when it is not too warm and not raining. If the hornbeam hedge is cut in full sun, the cut ends dry out and the hedge takes longer to recover.
Tip
Young hornbeam hedges need to be cut much more often so that they become dense quickly. Pruning is recommended up to six times a year. Here, too, the strongest pruning is carried out in early spring.
