Pruning Hornbeam Trees Along Boardwalk - July 2026

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The hedge of Frans Fontaine Hornbeam trees along the side of our house have continued to grow.  And that means they're encroaching on the boardwalk that is used to get from the front to our backyard along that same side.  Last year, I pruned these trees (just a little bit) to get the lower limbs off the boardwalk/screened porch.  This year, I did the same thing.

Below are some photos showing the before/after and how little I took off.  Ummm...just the tip(s).  (Mostly).  

On the left is the 'before', on the right is the 'after'.  I deliberately didn't take back/take-off too much as I like the idea of creating a little 'portal' to the backyard.  Hide-and-reveal. Miegakure.

Pruning Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam Trees Pruning Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam Trees

Here is an animated image of the before/after portal haircut:

Pruning Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam Trees
Before and After Pruning Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam Trees

Thinking about this area reminds me:  There's something hanging out there on my 2026 to-do list: plant something on the boardwalk.  I should revisit some of those shade-tolerant sedges like those Carex Montana that I planted on the other side of the yard.   


Location: Downers Grove, IL, USA

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