- Hornbeams have long roots
- The best time to transplant
- Cut back heavily after transplanting
- Water the hornbeam very well after transplanting
If a hornbeam grows in an unfavorable location, you may want to consider transplanting it. Basically, hornbeams do not like moving once they are well established. What you have to consider if you still want to transplant them.
Only small hornbeams can still be transplanted
Hornbeams have long roots
Hornbeams develop heart roots. They consist of a main root that digs very deep into the ground. In addition, a fine root system is created that spreads in all directions.
A younger hornbeam can often be replanted because the root system is not yet too pronounced. It can usually be pulled out of the ground undamaged - the prerequisite for the tree to grow again.
Older trees that are more than 15 years old should not be transplanted at all.
- Dig up roots as completely as possible
- implement tree
- Prune the hornbeam hard
- pour well
The best time to transplant
If you want to transplant a hornbeam, you should wait until autumn. At this time, the soil contains enough moisture so that the roots can quickly absorb water again.
If necessary, the hornbeam can also be transplanted in spring. However, you will then have to water very often.
Occasionally it is also possible to transplant hornbeams in summer. If the summer is very dry, you may need to water the tree twice a day after transplanting.
Cut back heavily after transplanting
Immediately after transplanting, cut back the hornbeam very strongly. Leave only the main trunk and a few smaller branches.
It is ideal if the above-ground part of the tree is the same extent as the roots.
Three eyes should remain on the side branches, from which the hornbeam will sprout again.
Water the hornbeam very well after transplanting
After transplanting, the hornbeam needs a lot of water. The root system must not dry out under any circumstances.
Water again in the morning and, if necessary, in the evening.
tips
If you want to move an entire perennial hornbeam hedge to a new location, you should rent a mini excavator. Digging up the roots by hand is almost impossible without technical support. They would damage the hornbeams too much.