Hi,
I’m interested in planting hornbeam hedge trees in my backyard, where there’s only a 40-45 centimeter gap between the pavement and the fence. The landscaper used limestone beneath the soil and pavers. Would removing the limestone between the pavers and the fence affect the paving? Also, would the limestone impact the health of the trees?
Appreciate your insights on this.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
Below you will find 2 previously answered questions which were posed to us a while ago. These should give you some guidance relating to your space and situation.
Hornbeam Hedging* – Toronto Master Gardeners
Hornbeam Hedge – Toronto Master Gardeners
So summarizing, you have to consider several things before making the investment and planting these trees.
Firstly, I would contact your landscaper to make sure your patio has a solid edging so any plantings won’t lift or loosen the paving stones. If not, a solid edging should be installed before you do anything else.
Next, your space is only 45cm wide which will limit the size of trees you can fit in so sourcing smallish container plants is paramount as root-ball plants will be too big. Depending on the length of your patio, calculating the number of plants you need will depend on the spacing required so they can grow together to form a thick hedge. These fairly slow growing trees will take time and patience to get them to a mature hedge.
Pruning several times a year for shape and width, as well as eventually limiting the height of the hedge takes diligence but is rewarding if you get the result you desire.
Hornbeam are tolerant of most soil types and can be happy in moist, well drained locations. They like a fairly neutral pH (7) soil but again, are quite adaptable. Limestone has a base pH of 9.9 as it is made up of calcium carbonate. Once you know your patio has a sturdy edge on it, it might behoove you to remove as much of the limestone fill from the planting bed and replacing it with a good quality topsoil before you start putting the trees in the ground as this will bring the area back to a more neutral pH.
Hope you find this information helpful. Good luck.