Hornbeam Hedge: When can I Prune it Back?

[Olive]

Hello I don't know what to do with my Hornbeam Hedge we planted it 18 months ago the chap who helped seemed to know what he was doing and reassured me not to trim it until it had really established. Now the leaves are out it looks very leggy. Wwe need a little growth at the base.

Can I prune it back now? do I wait 'til winter. Any help gratefully recieved 29 degrees in France its like summer.
Olive

[bullthistle]

Wait until fall/winter but do not severly prune.

https://propagatingperennials.blogspot.com

[Jess]

Hello I don't know what to do with my Hornbeam Hedge we planted it 18 months ago the chap who helped seemed to know what he was doing and reassured me not to trim it until it had really established. Now the leaves are out it looks very leggy. Wwe need a little growth at the base.

Can I prune it back now? do I wait 'til winter. Any help gratefully recieved 29 degrees in France its like summer.
Olive

Hi Olive
I would tidy it now. This should have been done not long after planting. Anything that is too leggy should be cut back and the top can be trimmed down to shape but do not do more than that at present.
It should be pruned back to the shape you want in late summer. Here is a link telling you more.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1000/hedge_selection.asp