Opinions differ on the question of whether hornbeam hedges should be cut in the fall or in the spring. Many experienced gardeners advise cutting the hornbeam hedge in spring. You should not cut older hornbeam hedges in autumn.

Younger hornbeam hedges can certainly be cut in autumn

Cut hornbeam hedges in autumn after planting

Hornbeam hedges are planted in autumn. The first cut takes place immediately after planting, i.e. in autumn.

All shoots that have not yet branched are cut. Cut them back so that at least three eyes remain on the branch, from which the hornbeam can sprout in spring.

In order for the hornbeam hedge to become nice and dense quickly, it has to be cut up to six times in the first few years. The last cut is made in early autumn.

Do not cut hornbeam hedges from March to July

If you want to radically cut back hornbeam hedges, the best time to do so is spring or from August. In general, hedges should not be cut back too much from March to July, as many birds breed in them.

Before you reach for the scissors, check whether there are still inhabited nests in the hedge and, if necessary, postpone the cutting to a later date.

Do not cut older hornbeam hedges in autumn

The best months for trimming hornbeam hedges are:

  • February/early March
  • July August
  • after planting in autumn

Once the hornbeam hedge has reached the desired height, it is only trimmed twice a year.

The first pruning, which may well be stronger, takes place in early spring before the hornbeam hedge sprout.

The second cut will be carried out from the end of June. In autumn, the hornbeam hedge should not be cut at all.

Rejuvenate hornbeams from August

Older hornbeam hedges should be regularly rejuvenated so that the hedge remains dense at the bottom. The best time for this radical pruning is from the beginning of August. The trees then no longer sprout vigorously and do not lose as much plant sap.

tips

In principle, you can cut a hornbeam hedge into any desired shape. In the case of very high hedges, however, it is advisable to make them ten centimeters wider at the bottom and tapered upwards. Then the hedge will not bare as quickly and rejuvenation will not be necessary as often.

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