Tree
Common hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
A large, very hardy deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk, ribbed green leaves and yellow autumn colour. It also tolerates clipping as a hedge, but an untrimmed tree needs substantial long-term space.
- Size
- 15–25 m high · 8–12 m wide
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Allow for a broad tree up to roughly 15–25 metres high unless you are deliberately establishing a clipped hedge.
- Do not plant a free-growing specimen under utility lines or close to foundations and narrow paved spaces.
- For a hedge, set out a clear long-term clipping line and leave access to both sides.
Why choose it
- Tolerates cold, wind and a wide range of soils better than many formal hedge plants.
- Works as a substantial shade tree, woodland tree or dense deciduous hedge.
Care
- Water young trees during establishment and prolonged dry periods.
- Prune a free-growing tree lightly, removing damaged or badly placed branches while they are still small.
- Clip hedges during the growing season and maintain a slightly wider base so lower growth receives light.
Good to know
- Clipped hornbeam often retains dry brown leaves through winter; an untrimmed mature tree usually sheds more completely.