The hornbeam, or Carpinus betulus, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, highly valued as a specimen or in a hedge known as a charmille. Its dentate foliage, light green in spring, turns caramel or orange in autumn and often persists through winter. Very hardy and adaptable (heavy soil, shade or partial shade), it is ideal for structuring a garden or creating private spaces.

Practical Steps for Pruning Hornbeam

Period / Type of Subject Pruning Action Objective
The first year Cut to 20-30 cm in height. Encourage branching.
The second year (autumn) Prune to 60-80 cm. Continue forming the hedge.
Subsequent years (hedge maintenance) June: Light pruning – cut 5-10 cm of new shoots. Refresh and maintain shape.
End of August: Second maintenance pass. Refresh the hedge.
September / Winter (frost-free): Structural pruning. Remove dead wood and reshape.
For a specimen In winter: Prune only dead wood, crossing or rubbing branches, and raise the branching if necessary. Maintain the health and structure of the tree.

When to Prune Hornbeam?

  • Spring / early summer (before or around 21 June): first annual pruning; light cut of spring shoots to encourage thickening.
  • End of August / following June: light maintenance pruning to keep the hedge tidy.
  • September (2nd fortnight) or in winter: more structural pruning – shaping, thinning during frost-free periods to clearly see the branches.
  • Winter (frost-free): remove dead wood or obstructive branches on specimens.
  • Avoid pruning on frost days.
Even in winter, the hornbeam hedge retains... its charm thanks to its marcescent foliage

How to Prune a Hornbeam Hedge or Charmille?

Pruning Techniques

  1. Formation pruning (1st year): severe reduction to 20-30 cm to stimulate branching.
  2. Annual maintenance pruning: in June and end of August, light cuts to keep the hedge tidy.
  3. Structural pruning (late summer or frost-free winter): thin out, clear the structure.

Good to know: for hedges, aim for a slightly trapezoidal shape (wider at the base than at the top) to ensure that light reaches all parts of the hedge.

Attention!: always wear gardening gloves and protective glasses.

Pruned twice a year, a hornbeam hedge or charmille adds structure to a garden.

Why Prune Hornbeam?

Pruning hornbeam is essential: it stimulates branching, ensures a dense and aesthetic hedge, improves flowering, and prevents diseases. It also helps maintain the desired shape (hedge, topiary, vegetative curtain).

Foliage of a Carpinus betulus or Common Hornbeam

Necessary Tools for Pruning Hornbeam

  • Pruning shear: for precise cuts (dead or crossing branches), maintenance.
  • Manual or electric hedge trimmer: for long lengths (hedges).
  • Hand shears: for finishing edges.
    Good to know: remember to disinfect your tools before use, and sharpen them regularly for a clean and neat cut.
The shears or hedge trimmer are essential for a well-kept charmille.