Cut the hornbeam hedge in autumn

Cut hornbeam hedge after planting in autumn

Hornbeam hedges are used in Planted in autumn. The first cut is made 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 quickly become dense, it has to be cut up to six times in the first few years. The last cut is made in early autumn.

Do not prune the hornbeam hedge from March to July

If you Cut back the hornbeam hedges radically the best time to do this is in spring or from August. From March to July you should not generally prune back hedges, as many birds breed in them.

Before you reach for the scissors, check whether there are still inhabited nests in the hedge and postpone the pruning if necessary.

Do not prune older hornbeam hedges in autumn

The best months for pruning hornbeam hedges are:

• February / beginning of March
• July August
• after planting in autumn

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

The first pruning, which can be stronger, takes place in early spring, before the hornbeam hedge sprouts.

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 used regularly rejuvenateso that the hedge stays nice and tight below. The best time for this radical pruning is from the beginning of August. The trees then no longer sprout strongly and do not lose as much sap.