Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus

Planting Advice for Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus:

• Pot-grown shrubs can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen. If in doubt, err towards spring but remember to keep pots well-watered so that the soil does not dry out.
• Shrub roots generally tend to spread out rather than down, so dig a planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting and mix some well-rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill one the shrub is in place.
• We've found that a square hole is better than a round one as the new roots, once they reach the edges tend to grow in a circle round the circumference of the hole whereas when they reach the corners of a square hole, they find it easier to grow through.
• Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain.
• Remove the plant from its pot and tease out a few of the roots.
• Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker.
• Place your shrub in the hole at the same level at the pot then refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling).
• Firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball and water well.
• Mulch around the base of the plant with a collar, compost, gravel, bark etc.

Aftercare Advice for your Hornbeam:

• If you’re planting in spring or summer, water well and regularly for the first season.
• Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Pruning Advice for Carpinus betulus:

• Hornbeam trees do not require regular pruning, just a quick once over to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches in the winter.
• If growing as a hedge, leave to establish for two seasons then remove the top of the plant when the desired height is reached and clip once a year in the summer.