The Hornbeam Tree (Carpinus Betulus) is a resilient, semi-evergreen tree that makes an excellent, long-lasting hedge, offering a similar look to the Green Beech. This deciduous broadleaf tree is valued for its dense foliage, pale grey bark with unique vertical markings, and sometimes a ridged, twisted trunk that becomes even more striking with age.

The Hornbeam’s bright green leaves darken in summer and turn warm yellow and orange-brown in autumn. Even after they dry, the leaves often remain on the branches until late winter or early spring, ensuring that a well-maintained Hornbeam hedge provides privacy and security for most of the year. This hardy hedge also serves as an effective barrier against noise and wind, while its clusters of green catkins transform into winged fruit that attract birds and wildlife.

Historically, the tough, fine-grained wood of Hornbeam was used for mill cogwheels, cartwheel hubs, butchers’ blocks, and piano hammers due to its remarkable durability. Today, its resilience and charm make it a popular choice for gardens, offering beauty in every season—from leaden grey bark with dark streaks in winter to vibrant foliage in spring and summer.

The Hornbeam thrives in a variety of soil types, even tolerating clay, making it a versatile, low-maintenance option for hedging or as a standalone tree. Enhance your landscape with this attractive, functional hedge that brings seasonal interest, reliable privacy, and natural elegance year-round.

Hornbeam hedging should only need to be pruned once a year in late summer to early Autumn.  Hornbeam trees do not require pruning. Sunny or partial position. Upon receiving your bare root trees and you cannot immediately plant them out then they will be fine in a shed or garage for up to 1 week out of frosts.  If after a week you still cannot plant out then they can be healed in (a small hole in the ground and cover the roots with soil) until you can plant them out.  Water well once planted and continue to water during spring through to summer at least once or twice a week for the first season.

All our stock if “lifted” to order, which means that they are “lifted” and packed the same day and sent off so delivery is made the following day hence you receive them as fresh as possible. They are well packed and they are able to stay in the bags they arrive in for up to 7/10 days out of any frosts but it is advisable to plant bareroot trees as soon as possible. We are able to give you a suitable delivery date after the order has been placed when we email your order of acknowledgement to you. Unlike other nurseries who usually say within 3-5 days we can give you a definite day.

As soon as we receive your order we can usually send these out within the week. We use a courier and a signature will be required UNLESS you inform us (in the comments box) of where you would like your goods left safely should you not be at home. It is possible to select a day (apart from week-ends and Fridays) when ordering.

Delivery Charges

We will send you a delivery date via email when we receive your order.

Very SMALL ORDERS between quantities of 1-15 in size 40/60 can usually be sent out via ROYAL MAIL (UK mainland only) for as little as £8.00. Your basket will still show £15.00 plus vat for delivery charge BUT if you put in the COMMENTS BOX that you wish delivery by ROYAL MAIL we can pick this up and change the payment when the order is submitted . All other order are priced as:-

• Orders up to £75 – delivery £15 plus vat
• £76 – £200 – delivery £22 plus vat
• £201 – £300 – delivery £30 plus vat
• £301 – £500 – delivery £40 plus vat
• £501 – £1000 – delivery £45 plus vat
• £1001 plus – delivery £50 plus vat

Scotland Grampians/Highlands do carry an extra delivery charge according to our couriers – we can advise on this extra charge.

Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Northern and Southern Ireland. It is possible for us to arrange delivery to these areas but we would have to arrange the cost with our couriers so please contact our office 01452 832100.