Content
- Radically cutting hornbeam hedges - when is this necessary?
- Reasons for a radical pruning
- Shorten radically after planting
- Cut hornbeam hedges into shape
- Strong pruning for rejuvenation
- The best time to radically cut a hornbeam hedge
- Care after radical cutting
- Tips
The best time for a radical pruning is the early spring
Radically cutting hornbeam hedges - when is this necessary?
There are several reasons why a hornbeam hedge needs to be radically shortened. Since it is very cut compatible, you do not harm a very strong pruning and the hedge recovers within a short time. What to pay attention to when radical cutting.
Reasons for a radical pruning
Shorten radically after planting
Immediately after planting in autumn, the hornbeam hedge is still very thin and opaque. In order to branch quickly, all shoots are radically shortened except for three eyes, which have no branches so far.
Cut hornbeam hedges into shape
Hornbeams are extremely cut friendly. Even as a beginner, you can hardly do anything wrong, even if you cut back the hedge on stick, so to the ground.
If the hornbeam hedge has become too high or too wide for you, you may cut it back vigorously at the top. The unsightly spots are soon hidden under new foliage.
A radical pruning is also required if you want to cut certain shapes, such as a round arch or a covered garden gate.
Strong pruning for rejuvenation
Older hornbeam hedges tend to lose ground. From time to time, you should rejuvenate them to keep the hedge tight.
In the spring, all old branches are sawed off directly above the ground. Non-branched shoots are severely cut.
The best time to radically cut a hornbeam hedge
Radically cut hornbeam hedges in the spring before the hornbeam drives out. In August, a strong pruning is still possible. Radical pruning is not allowed during the breeding season of the birds from March to June.
Care after radical cutting
The hornbeam needs after a radical cut many nutrients to develop healthy new drives. Younger hedges can then tolerate fertilization.
After the cut you should water the hornbeam hedge well so that it recovers quickly. But be sure to avoid waterlogging.
Tips
Older shoots of hornbeam can no longer be cut with pruning shears. Use pruning saws to cut out strong branches. If the hornbeam hedge is very long, it is worth buying an electric hedge trimmer.