Pruning My Summer House Hornbeam Hedge
More pruning is underway at Cantitoe Corners.
Last week, the outdoor grounds crew trimmed the hornbeam hedge that runs in front of my main greenhouse. This week they tackled the long hornbeam hedge that runs from my Summer House and along the road behind my Winter House. They also pruned the two large hornbeams in front of my Summer House entrance. Botanically known as Carpinus, the hornbeam is deciduous and fast-growing. In fact, it can grow about four to five feet per year. I keep a close eye on all the hornbeams - it’s crucial to prune them regularly, so they never look too overgrown and unruly.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- Along the back of the Summer House and the Winter House is a European hornbeam hedge, Carpinus betulus. Because it is planted on a gradual slope, it needs to be pruned using a step method.
-
- It is quite pretty in this location, but it also serves as a good privacy barrier from the road. The top and upper sides of a hedge are exposed to lots of light, so they grow more vigorously.
-
- Here it is easy to see all the growth from the past year. We trim these hornbeams annually. If left unpruned, hedges start to look tatty and lose their desired shape.
-
- The European hornbeam is related to the beech tree, with a similar leaf shape. On the hornbeam, the leaves are actually smaller and more deeply furrowed than beech leaves. They become golden yellow to orange before falling in autumn.
-
- I like the hedges trimmed by hand. I prefer the straight edge finish that is done when using Japanese shears. An important tip is to use the sharpest tools possible to avoid unnecessary damage and stress to the hedge. Their large leaves can turn brown if not cut properly.
-
- Here, the front of the hedge is trimmed – it’s looking better already. Carpinus betulus is a hornbeam native to Western Asia and central, eastern and southern Europe, including southern England. Because of its dense foliage and tolerance to being cut back, this hornbeam is popularly used for hedges and topiaries.
-
- Chhewang is an excellent pruner. Here he is trimming the tops of the hedge from the back. Doing this process all by hand takes time, but provides a more detailed and prettier finish.
-
- We use our trusted Hi-Lo to reach the furthest parts of the hedge. Chhiring watches carefully as Chhewang trims from the vehicle’s cage.
-
- Chhewang uses the cage bars as an added guide for trimming straight – sculpting as he goes. It is also important to take breaks to look at the work done and see where adjustments and more cuts are needed.
-
- Here, the top of the left side has been trimmed – quite a difference from the right side.
-
- Here is a view looking up at the growth that Chhewang is removing from the top. All this growth shows how healthy the soil is in my gardens.
-
- And looking down, here are all the clippings ready to be raked and taken to the compost pile.
-
- Here is a view from the top looking down the length of cut hornbeam – it is very level.
-
- The hornbeams opposite the long hedge also needed pruning. Chhiring trims this side facing my Winter House courtyard.
-
- These round hornbeams in front of my Summer House entrance also need trimming.
-
- Using Japanese Okatsune shears, Chhewang starts pruning around the front. These are Okatsune 30-inch long Hedge Shears. Okatsune shears are light and precise and come in a range of sizes. These came from A.M. Leonard. http://www.amleo.com
-
- Chhiring trims as much as he can from the ground…
-
- And then prunes the upper branches from a ladder.
-
- This one is nearly finished.
-
- Here’s Fernando raking up the leafy clippings.
-
- And here is the finished hedge – all neat and tidy. Deer do eat hornbeams, but since the property is completely fenced, it isn’t a problem here at the farm.
-
- Look at how beautiful the hedge is when finished – and all done completely by hand.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
