Carpinus betulus makes a great and dense hedge

It only takes a little effort and you can have a nearly impermeable and durable hedge. Yes, the common hornbeam is the plant you want to use. It becomes pretty dense quickly and creates a nice fence that can give extra privacy. But it is not only about privacy. It also blocks noise and dust and it looks nice during winter because it does not shed leaves – they stay on until spring. You can also plant it in shaded areas, where other leafy plants cannot be used.

Advantages of hornbeam hedge

But there is much more! For example, if you have a piece of land with a hornbeam hedge, but it does not look good, you can revitalize it rather easily. A radical low cut will do that. New shoots will grow from trunks pretty soon . A great advantage is that the common hornbeam deals exceptionally well with pruning and cutting, so you can shape it anyway you like. Some people create very interesting shapes, arches and portals. Some even grow hornbeam as a bonsai.

Photo: Pixabay

Where can you buy hornbeam?

You can get hornbeam cuttings from garden centres and they are cheaper compared with other plants used for English edges. It is also strong and resistant to pests and diseases, which makes caring easy. However, the soil should be very fertile and moist. A sandy loam soil with a neutral pH is best. You can plant it in a shade, but also in sunny places. However, if you planted in a sunny spot you need to maintain humidity of the soil.

Planting hornbeam

Plant hornbeam in two rows, 30×30 cm apart. If you want to create a single-row only, plant every 20 to 25 cm. Young hornbeam grows slowly so, if you do not want to wait for a long time, buy seedlings 60 to 100 cm tall with many small branches. Trim thicker roots before planting and leave as many small roots as possible. The best time for planting is autumn.

Caring for hornbeam

Prune twice a year to achieve best growth. Do it for the first time in June and the second time at the end of August. Do not make cut in the spring, because hornbeam “weeps” – the plant secretes plenty of sap, which can weaken younger plants. But what you should do in the spring is to give your hornbeam hedge an adequate dose of mineral fertilizer or compost.

Source: https://porady.interia.pl/ogrody/news-zywoplot-z-grabu-dlaczego-warto-sie-na-niego-zdecydowac,nId,4914169

Preview photo: Pixabay