The hornbeam is considered a very robust species, which is also why it is suitable as a hedge plant. Here you can find out how the tree reacts to drought, when you should react and how to prevent too much dryness.
How does the hornbeam react to drought and how can you protect it?
The hornbeam generally tolerates a lot of drought, but in severe drought it can drop its leaves or be affected by mildew. Mulching helps keep the soil moist and prevent dryness at the site.
How much drought can the hornbeam tolerate?
The hornbeam generally toleratesa lot of drought and copes well even with very dry conditions. If the tree's needs are otherwise well served by the location, you don't have to worry much about the plant, even during the hot summer months. The frost-hardy hornbeam can also easily cope with drought caused by frozen water during the cold time of the year.
What damage is a sign of drought?
If theleaves fall offor are covered withmildew, this may indicate severe drought. In hot summer months without water, the tree may slowly shed its leaves. As a rule, these grow back again. However, in order for your hornbeam to look more beautiful or for your hedge to continue to provide opaque privacy, you should water the plant better. Diseases such as powdery mildew are also often a result of drought. The fungus can attack the hornbeam more easily in severe drought.
How do I avoid drought at the hornbeam location?
Mulch the area around the trunk of the beech tree. The material stores moisture and ensures that the soil underneath dries out much more slowly, even in hot temperatures. By mulching you are specifically preventing drying out. Materials that provide you with efficient services in this context include:
- Bark mulch
- Lawn cutting
- green garden waste
Mulching is definitely recommended, especially if you have a hornbeam in a bucket. Otherwise, the plant will gain less moisture from the soil in the pot.
Tip
Use green cuttings
If you trim hedges or trees, you can continue to use many of these materials in your own garden. At least green leafy materials can be roughly chopped up and then used as material for mulching. In this way you can not only protect your hornbeam from drought.
