In contrast to the normal hornbeam, the columnar hornbeam remains much narrower. It is therefore often planted as a single plant or as a border on a garden path. Cutting is not absolutely necessary. If the columnar hornbeam has become too tall, you can cut it back more.
When and how should a columnar hornbeam be cut?
A columnar hornbeam cut is ideal in February in frost-free and dry conditions. Prune heavily to maintain the desired shape and only remove diseased branches and make necessary thinnings over the course of the year. From the end of August, stop cutting the hornbeam.
When should a columnar hornbeam be cut?
If you have enough space, simply let the columnar hornbeam grow. The tree remains narrow even in old age and has a slightly pyramidal growth.
Naturally growing columnar hornbeams are particularly effective when they are not in the immediate vicinity of other trees.
If you plant columnar hornbeams as an avenue tree, you should occasionally use scissors and prune them. Then the avenue will look neater.
The best time to cut
To severely prune a columnar hornbeam, wait until February. Hornbeams are generally not cut in autumn. Choose a favorable day to prune your columnar hornbeam:
- frost-free at least 5 degrees
- dry
- not too sunny
You should not cut the hornbeam when it is frosty as the interfaces will then freeze. The humidity should not be too high, so a dry day is better. Prune columnar hornbeam in the early morning before the sun is too strong. Don't forget to water the hornbeam well afterwards.
Over the course of the year, only cut back the hornbeam slightly if it is absolutely necessary. Remove diseased branches continuously. From the end of August you should leave the tree alone.
Cut columnar hornbeams into shape
Columnar hornbeams, like all hornbeams, are very tolerant of pruning. Even if you cut them back severely, they will sprout again reliably.
You can therefore cut the trees very well into shape. Cone shapes in which the tree tapers towards the top and is somewhat reminiscent of a fir tree are popular.
Basically, the columnar hornbeam can be cut into almost any shape. Even if you want to create an avenue with square trees, that's no problem with columnar hornbeams.
Tip
Columnar hornbeams grow a little slower than normal hornbeams. They gain height from 10 to 40 centimeters per year. They can live up to 150 years.