Hornbeams are so easy to cut that they can be grown as standard trees in the garden without any problems. The height and dimensions depend on the space available.
How do you grow a hornbeam as a standard tree?
Growing a hornbeam as a standard means forming a thick trunk with a wide crown by regularly cutting off the lower shoots. Standard hornbeams can be spherical, angular or naturally shaped and are available in a variety of sizes, but finished standard trees can be expensive.
Drawn hornbeam as a standard tree
If you grow a hornbeam as a standard tree, you have to cut it regularly. All lower shoots that grow laterally from the trunk are cut off directly at the base. This means they can no longer branch out. Over time, a thick trunk with a wide crown emerges.
Of course, standard hornbeams can also be ordered and delivered ready-made from garden shops or mail-order nurseries.
High-stem hornbeams in various shapes
Natural crown shapes fit particularly well into natural gardens. You can also cut the crown into any shape you like:
- Round
- oval
- square
- trapezoidal
- expansive
- natural form
Round shapes in which the treetop forms a ball or tapers like a fir tree are popular.
Relatively new are square-cut crowns that look like a large box. Such clear shapes are well suited for modern gardens. They look great against bright, symmetrical buildings, especially when they turn yellow in autumn.
Finished standard hornbeams have their price
If you want to buy a hornbeam tree as a standard and ready for the garden, you will have to put a lot of money on the table. The price for the trees grown in this way ranges from 500 euros upwards.
You can buy finished standard trees as small trees. But five-meter-tall hornbeams are also available commercially. Make sure that you get good quality so that you can enjoy your standard hornbeam for a long time.
Maintaining the hornbeam standard tree
After purchasing, all you have to worry about is that the hornbeam stays in shape. Regular topiary cuts are urgently needed. If the tree is very tall, you will need a ladder or scaffolding. However, it is best to leave the care of such a hornbeam to a specialist company.
Tip
If you prefer something smaller, the hornbeam can also be cultivated as a bonsai. Another alternative are columnar hornbeams, which can be kept in shape quite easily even without prior knowledge.
