Quote:
Originally posted by Leesa
...Just curious - what is your experience with pinching back leaves on the hornbeam? I recall that Al mentioned that it was a good idea to leave at least 3 or more. I have been wondering if that is why one of mine seems to be stalled a bit right now.
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The shoots usually come out in five to seven alternate leaves. I'll pinch back to two around the apex and terminal branches, and maybe three on the lower ones.
I haven't found hornbeam to be particularly weak, but it does like more moisture - like an understory tree. If you treat it about like birch, it should do well. IF it gets very hot, you'd want to position it in some partial sun/shade. They are twiggy trees, so you may see them out all over rather than pushing a very strong apex.
Sometimes, lack of vigor can be traced to the root system; either not enough room to spread, inadequate drainage or low soil fertility.
Regards,
Matt