The hornbeam most likely earned its name due to the hardness of the wood. Horn means hard and beam means tree in old English. The timber itself is called ironwood for the same reason. Sometimes confused with beech as the leaves look fairly similar. However, hornbeam leaves have finely serrated edges and are slightly smaller than beech leaves. This tree produces both male and female catkins, then clusters of papery, winged fruits appear in autumn.
Container plants will keep, if necessary, for many months in their containers prior to planting.
If you receive the plants during the spring or summer when they will be growing, then it will be best to plant within a week or two making sure that the plants are kept well watered in the containers until planting and also that they are protected or supported to prevent them from blowing over and damaging branches.
If you receive the plants during the winter then they can be kept until early spring before planting with occasional watering to prevent them drying out. Again, protect them from being blown over. They will not be harmed by frost but do not attempt to plant them in the ground when they, or the ground, are frozen.
Take care to plant at the correct depth so that the surface of the rootball is at the same level as the ground.
They will require watering during the first summer to prevent the ground from drying out. Take care not to over or under water - you can tell by feeling the soil to see if it is dry.
Trees should be securely staked to prevent them from rocking and breaking off new root growth.
Delivery We will contact you within 3 working days of your order to confirm a delivery date and to discuss any special delivery requirements. Delivery of items in stock will normally be within 3 weeks of your order but we often deliver much sooner - orders delivered by carrier will often be within a few days, whereas delivery by our own transport will be 1 to 3 weeks depending on location. However we will always endeavour to meet your preferred delivery date. Out of stock items will go on back order and we will notify you when available and confirm a delivery date with you. Please call the office if you require further infomation 01435 862992
The delivery charges shown will apply in most situations. Occassionaly, it may not be possible for us to deliver certain products to a particular location for the cost shown. In these situations we reserve the right to alter the charge and will contact you with details. If the revised charge is not acceptable you will of course be free to cancel or vary your order.
Click and Collect Orders can normally be collected from our nursery within a few days of your order. When you order on this website you will be asked if you would like to collect and if so when is your preferred collection date. We will contact you within 3 working days of receipt of your order to confirm that your order will be ready.
English Woodlands, Burrow Nursery, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0UG Tel 01435 862 992. How To Find Us
