Hornbeam hedges are very popular in garden design because they are easy to care for. Planting a hornbeam hedge does not require great gardening knowledge. Even beginners can easily create one themselves. A little guide on how to properly plant a hornbeam hedge.

Hornbeams are not very picky about their location

Which location is suitable for a hornbeam hedge?

The hornbeam hedge is not picky about the location. It tolerates sunny locations as well as shade. Beautiful, dense hornbeam hedges can even be planted on slopes. At the beginning, a light windbreak is advisable.

What should the soil be like?

The hornbeam hedge is also not demanding in terms of soil conditions. It even grows on sandy soil, but then needs to be fertilized more often.

The soil should be slightly cold and humus rich. Loosen it up well before planting, because the hornbeam hedge does not like waterlogging either.

When is the best planting time?

Like all hedges, you should plant a hornbeam hedge in late autumn, as the soil moisture is ideal. If you don't have time until spring, buy rooted or containerized plants. However, you will then have to water it frequently. Nevertheless, it is not always possible to prevent several trees from dying in a spring planting.

How big should the planting distance be?

In a finished hedge, the planting distance should be about 50 centimeters. This means that there are two plants for every meter of hornbeam hedge.

If you have planted the hornbeams more densely, you should remove a few trees as soon as the hedge has grown nice and thick.

How do you properly plant the hornbeam hedge?

Dig a trench about 40 centimeters deep and 30 centimeters wide. Mix in mature compost and, if necessary, create a drainage system to prevent waterlogging.

Do not plant the hornbeams too deep in the ground and then tread them down firmly. A plant support makes sense if the location is a bit windy.

After planting, the hornbeam hedge must be well watered. The trees are then cut for the first time.

How fast do hornbeam hedges grow?

Initially, growth is somewhat slower. Older trees increase in height by between 30 and 40 centimeters per year. Hornbeams are among the fast-growing plants.

How are hornbeam hedges propagated?

Propagation is via

  • sowing the nuts
  • cuttings
  • lowering
  • offshoot

Propagating a hornbeam hedge by sowing takes a long time. Cuttings are easier. Since hornbeams form offshoots, you can simply dig them out and plant them in the desired location.

Which plants do hornbeam hedges get along with?

Hornbeam hedges do not take up much space. In the wild, they are often found near oaks, beeches, and other deciduous trees.

tips

Planting a beech hedge or rather a hornbeam hedge - these are the questions many gardeners ask themselves. A hornbeam hedge is less demanding in terms of location and soil. It also grows in sandy soil and tolerates drought better.

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