Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) Pleached Tree

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as Hornbeam, is a classic choice for pleached trees thanks to its elegant structure, fine-textured foliage, and strong tolerance for pruning. Its pleached form offers an attractive, architectural solution for screening, privacy, and defining spaces in both rural and urban landscapes.

Although deciduous, Hornbeam retains its dried coppery leaves well into winter, giving the impression of year-round coverage. In spring, fresh green foliage emerges, turning golden in autumn before fading to soft brown. The tree’s tightly knit branches make it excellent for formal training and for creating dense green walls above fences or walls.

Hornbeam thrives in a wide range of UK soil types, including clay and chalk, and performs well in sun or partial shade. It’s especially valued for its resilience in exposed locations and for maintaining a tidy, uniform pleached canopy with seasonal trimming.

We typically stock pleached Carpinus betulus in a range of sizes, including clear stems of 180–220 cm and trained frames from 120 × 120 cm to 180 × 150 cm. Custom sizes and formats can be sourced for larger-scale or bespoke projects — contact us using the form below or give us a call to discuss your needs.

Discover more options in our full Wholesale Pleached Trees range.