Hornbeams are fast-growing deciduous trees, but they do not grow quite as large and sprawling as other trees. As a single tree in the garden, you only need to allow for a small amount of space if you want to let a hornbeam grow to full size.
How big does a fully grown hornbeam get?
In Europe, a fully grown hornbeam usually reaches a height of 20 to 25 meters, with a trunk diameter of around one meter. Larger specimens of up to 35 meters occur in other regions such as the Caucasus.
What size is a mature hornbeam?
- 4 meters after 10 years
- 10 meters after 20 years
- 20 to 25 meters final size
Of course, these are only guidelines. The actual altitude also depends on the location and weather. The final size in Europe is around 25 meters. In other regions such as the Caucasus there are even hornbeams up to 35 meters high.
If the hornbeam is allowed to grow uncut, it develops a very expansive tree crown. Their shape is slightly oval, which makes them easy to recognize in the wild.
A fully grown hornbeam has a trunk diameter of approximately one meter.
One of the largest hornbeams is in the Odenwald
One of the oldest and largest hornbeams is in the town of Breitenbuch in the Odenwald. The place owes its name to this tree, which is special in height and width.
The hornbeam is estimated to be 300 years old. The trunk circumference at a height of one meter is 4.5 meters. The crown diameter is estimated at 20 meters.
For comparison: the average age of a hornbeam is 150 years. This is how old the hornbeams that form the arcade in Pulsnitz, Saxony, are believed to be.
Limit the size of hornbeams by cutting them
If you want to grow a hornbeam as a single tree in the garden, you should consider the space required. In small gardens, you can not only keep the hornbeam in shape but also smaller by cutting it back.
Hornbeams are very tolerant of pruning and can easily be shortened or even cut into figures using a topiary.
The sprawling treetop in particular becomes a problem in the small garden. But you don't have to do without a hornbeam. Simply cut them into column shapes and trim them to the height that fits well in your garden.
Tip
Hornbeams tolerate shade and often grow under taller trees. In many specimens the trunk is crooked and appears slightly crooked. The crooked trunk is caused by lack of light.
