Hornbeam hedge issue??

Stephen Cochrane

New to forum and looking for some advice on recently planted hornbeams.

20 metres planted sometime in June,all bare roots which came out of cold storage and were planted straight away into ditch.

After 4 weeks the growth was spectacular,nice lush green foliage and loads of nice buds showing,however after a terrible spell of rain I noticed the lush foliage was turning a paler shade of green,nonetheless growth was still steady.NOw after a quick inspection I've noticed some buds have dried out and some very small yellow foliage has appeared...should I be concerned that the roots are struggling to cope with the very wet soil I've planted them in or is it a case of wait and see.

The ditch I dug out was initially full of the usual builders rubble,once removed sharp sand,compost and decent topsoil were all added into what is a "wet area".

Joe_the_Gardener

What do you mean by 'cold storage'?

Dovefromabove

Cold storage for hedging plants info here http://www.hedgesblog.co.uk/advice/cold-storage/

No experience of it myself.

pansyface

I don't know where you are living unfortunately. Some parts of the country have had a lot of rain which coupled with clay may be a problem although I have seen hornbeam growing well on heavy clay.

The ditch you mention might have turned into a sump which is collecting water from the surrounding clay soil. Try digging up one of the worst affected plants and have a look at the roots and whether water collects in the hole after an hour or two.

Stephen Cochrane

Up in central belt of Scotland,so through July rain has been quite heavy and persistent.



Thanks for feedback.

Fairygirl

Yes - pretty dire this year Stephen 

Hornbeam is usually a better alternative to beech simply because it can withstand wet soil better, but as pansyface suggests, it sounds as if there's an issue with the area you've planted it in . They may well be sitting in a puddle a lot of the time, with the excess water struggling to get away.

I've no experience of the 'cold storage' either, and wonder if that also has something to do with it. I can't open Dove's link unfortunately, but will have a look with google.