The hornbeam in our garden, which is about 20 years old, started regrowing its leaves as usual earlier this year until about 4-6 weeks ago. They have now gone very dry and brittle and showing all signs of dying. Assuming it was due to water shortage, we started watering it, but no signs of success have emerged. Any clues why it should be dying and anything that could be done to revive it?
Other than checking for signs of pests, it could simply have succumbed to old age. Plants, like all living things have a lifespan, and it may be that this one has reached its end.
My 12 year old hornbeams have now been bitten twice by the frost, each time losing some stems - once 7 years ago, and more recently this past Mother's Day. Several small stems have been lost, but more disconcerting is that the leaves mostly have a yellowish tinge, without the beautiful green that we're used to. What should I be doing to save the trees?
Yellowing leaves indicate a stressed tree, usually a watering issue.
To much or to little. If it has been dry I would compensate and water the tree to help it through the warmest part of the summer.
Also mulching can help. 2 to 3 inches of a hardwood mulch will help retain moisture.
Watch for signs of insect or fungus in the stressed tree.
You could apply a light fertilizer now, but nothing to high in Nitrogen. Look for a balanced formula. 10-10-10.
Then in late fall or early spring reapply again.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hornbeam/hornbeam-care-and-growing.htm
Can you tell if I can planet a Hornbeam hedge in zone 6 Indiana, and if so, which species you recommend. The hedge will be on the West with some shade mid day, direct sun 8:00AM to 11 AM and again at 5PM to 7PM. Looking for something other than Boxwood or Hews. If you can recommend the Hornbeam or another option. Thank You!
This link has some varieties that are suited to your zone.
https://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6810
Also check with your County Extension Office for a plant list for your region.
Our Naighbour harmed our beautiful hornbeam tree. Three independent Treesurgeon diagnosed it with chemical poison. Is there any way to bring it back to life?
No probably not, it will be "wait and see".
What make you think the neighbor was responsible? It would be helpful have some more information about what chemical was used, how the tree surgeons diagnosed the chemical poisoning, or are they just guessing? Was there a laboratory tissue analysis done?
I AM INTERESTED IN THIS ANSWER AS I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS COULD BE HARMFUL TO THE BODY IN ANY WAY. IT IS TAKEN INTERNALLY.
Hornbeam is used medicinally, but if you have health condition that you are trying to correct, check with your MD or an ND (naturapathic doctor) about appropriate use of herbal therapy and possible contra-indications.
We are creating a market garden in a very windy spot a few miles from the sea. We need a fast growing windbreak. I like hornbeam but have also been recommended leylandii for fast growth. I am worried that Leylandii will means lots of work. We are replanting native hedging around the rest of the garden and I think the hornbeam would fit with that. but is it good enough as a windbreak? Our soil is quite heavy clay. Any advice, recommendations, would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
I believe that the hornbeam would be fine, but I do agree that leylandii would be a perfect windbreak. They aren't too difficult to care for. Here is an article on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/leyland-cypress/growing-leyland-cypress-trees.htm
I want to plant Hornbeams on the north side of my house, close to a brick wall so that I can prune them as they grow to look like a hedge perhaps 15' high. What would you suggest? Many Thanks Edgar Ellermmann
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is more often cultivated as a tree, also similar to beech in its leaf shape, fruit pattern and cultivation needs. Its other common names include blue-beech and ironwood. American hornbeam trees reach a height and width of 20 to 30 feet. As a hedge, it is grows more slowly than its British cousin, but it can withstand frequent pruning for shaping. It is deciduous, but like Carpinus betulus, its leaves stay on the tree or hedge throughout the winter.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hornbeam/hornbeam-care-and-growing.htm