If a hornbeam is growing in an unfavorable location, you may be thinking about replanting it. Generally speaking, hornbeams don't like moving once they've grown well. What you need to consider if you still want to transplant them.
When and how can you transplant a hornbeam?
To successfully transplant a hornbeam, choose autumn as the ideal time, completely dig up the roots and transplant the tree. Then cut the hornbeam back heavily and water sufficiently to keep the roots moist.
Hornbeams have long roots
Hornbeams develop heart roots. They consist of a main root that burrows very deep into the ground. In addition, a fine root system is created that spreads in all directions.
A younger hornbeam can often still be transplanted because the root system is not yet too developed. It can usually be removed from the ground undamaged - the prerequisite for the tree to grow again.
Older trees that are more than 15 years old should no longer be transplanted.
- Dig up the roots as completely as possible
- Move tree
- Cut back hornbeam heavily
- water well
The best time to transplant
If you want to transplant a hornbeam, you should wait until autumn. At this time the soil contains enough moisture so that the roots can quickly suck up water again.
If necessary, the hornbeam can be transplanted in spring. However, you will then have to water very frequently.
Occasionally it is also possible to transplant hornbeams in summer. If the summer is very dry, you may have to water the tree twice a day after moving it.
Prune heavily after transplanting
Immediately after transplanting, cut the hornbeam back very heavily. Leave only the main trunk and a few smaller branches.
It is ideal if the above-ground part of the tree has the same extent as the roots.
Three eyes should remain on each side branch from which the hornbeam will sprout again.
Water the hornbeam very well after transplanting
After transplanting, the hornbeam needs a lot of water. Under no circumstances should the roots dry out.
Water in the morning and again in the evening if necessary.
Tip
If you want to move an entire, perennial hornbeam hedge to a new location, you should rent a mini excavator (€30.00 on Amazon). Digging out the roots by hand is hardly possible without technical support. They would cause too much damage to the hornbeams.
