Wondering if pleached Hornbeam trees are good for privacy? Take a look at this recent planting project where we used pleached Hornbeam to create a natural screen in the garden of a new home. The goal was simple: block views from neighbouring windows and increase privacy without taking up much space.

Before Planting: Key Considerations

Choosing the right trees depends on your goals, space and soil conditions. In this case, the customer needed screening that wouldn’t encroach on the rest of their garden. A clear stem design was ideal, keeping lower branches above fence height. Pleached trees offered a neat, upright structure that fits tight spaces.

We also had to work with heavy clay soil near a mature Oak. Taking all this into account, Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) was the best choice. It grows well in clay and delivers strong screening, especially when shaped as pleached trees.

So, how effective are Pleached Hornbeam in these conditions? Very. They offer solid seasonal coverage while staying tidy and manageable. Although Hornbeam is a deciduous tree, it’s can be classed as semi-evergreen. In milder winters, it holds onto its crisp brown leaves, maintaining privacy even during the colder months.

After Planting: Key Considerations

Hornbeam only needs two light trims a year, perfect for this customer who was after low-maintenance trees. These light trims help with formative pruning, encouraging the trees to form a dense, raised hedge within a few seasons. The result is a neat, structured screen that hides unsightly views. It works especially well in spring and summer, but even in winter, as the retained brown leaves provide partial screening while allowing extra light into ground-floor window.

Other Options

Although this article is focused on explaining how effective pleached Hornbeam are at creating privacy, we also offer evergreen alternatives for year-round coverage. Options like Photinia ‘Red Robin’ and Cherry Laurel keep their leaves through winter and deliver reliable screening in all seasons. Check out our full range of pleached trees.

Read More:

1. A Guide to Leylandii: Is it good for screening?

2. A Guide to Screening Trees: Is Photinia Good for Natural Privacy?

3. A Guide to Tree Planting: Is Summer a good time to plant?