July 15, 2021

Pruning the Big Hornbeam Hedge

Pruning chores around my Bedford, New York farm continue with the large hornbeam hedge in front of my main greenhouse.

The English hornbeam, Carpinus betulus, is a fast-growing deciduous tree - it can grow about four to five feet per year. From a distance, it appears solid, but light streams in through the leaves providing a pleasing and dappled space. I like to maintain my hornbeam hedge using a traditional European style of pruning, so it has a nice, sculpted appearance. This means, it’s crucial that the hedge is pruned regularly, so it doesn’t look overgrown and unruly.

Enjoy these photos.