- Hornbeams are hardy
- Water occasionally during dry winters
- Always protect the soil with a layer of mulch
- Do not sweep up the leaves of hornbeam hedges
A hornbeam hedge is absolutely hardy, at least when it is well established. Nevertheless, it makes sense to take a few care measures before winter so that the hedge survives the cold season well. Tips for caring for the hornbeam hedge in winter.
Although hornbeams are hardy, a protective layer of mulch on the ground is still advisable
Hornbeams are hardy
Hornbeams are native plants that belong to the birch family. Just like these, they can cope with minus temperatures down to minus 20 degrees without any problems.
Basically, winter protection is not required, the trees can survive even severe frost for some time without additional protection.
Nevertheless, it makes sense to prepare the hornbeam hedge for the winter. However, they should not be cut before winter. The last cut takes place in July at the latest in August.
Water occasionally during dry winters
Hornbeam hedges do not tolerate drying out of the soil very well. In very dry winters, it is therefore advisable to water young hornbeam hedges occasionally.
Watering is only done on frost-free days, and only so little that waterlogging cannot occur under any circumstances.
Always protect the soil with a layer of mulch
Experienced gardeners always protect the ground of the hornbeam hedge with a mulch layer
- mature compost
- leaves
- lawn clippings
- Straw.
The mulch layer keeps moisture in the soil and prevents the hornbeams from drying out in winter. At the same time, it keeps the soil surface nice and loose. It also protects the plant roots from excessive frost when temperatures drop very sharply over a long period of time.
Do not sweep up the leaves of hornbeam hedges
It is a special feature of hornbeam hedges that the dried leaves remain on the trees for a very long time. The last ones only fall off when the hornbeam sprout in spring.
Fallen leaves should not be picked up, but left on the ground. It fulfills the function of a natural mulch layer.
The foliage prevents weeds from emerging, making the care of the hornbeam hedge much easier. Also, over time, the leaves decompose and release nutrients. They form a natural fertilizer with it.
tips
Freshly planted hornbeam hedges should always be protected from frost with a layer of mulch. The delicate roots have not yet penetrated deep enough into the earth. When they dry out, the hornbeam dies.