Pruning Hornbeam

OK, so last year's new shoots didn't branch at all (which I would expect) and the year before's only branched a little bit?

Mine (the older growth) have branched more than that, I would say. Not sure I would worry about it, per se. Perhaps see what this year brings - if they don't bush up enough you can cut them back hard and let them grow back again. They will have the benefit of bigger roots / trunk than now/before, so will grow back strongly.

Are you feeding them at all? I give mine a Nitrogen-only fertiliser just before buds break, and again about a month later (when the new growth are still extending)

 

No haven't fed at all. I must say the ground they are in is not the best but i did try to break it up and add compost. I trimmed them all now, will leave for this year as you say, feed them, mulch them and see what happens. I need to put another few in to plug some gaps so will watch and see. Keep watered aswell i suppose as last summer was hot.

G

 

Water anyway I reckon (well, unless its like 2012 again!). Sufficient water will keep the new growth extending right through the season (on young plants, at least) so you will get more "stem extension". Nitrogen helps with that process too. Nettle Tea perhaps (if you have an abundant supply of Nettles nearby? )

EDIT: I have leaky hose on all my young hedges. they get a couple of hours of water twice a week in dry weather, once a week in "normal" summer weather.