The European Hornbeam has a few drawbacks when compared to other trees such as the beech. One of the main disadvantages is its leaf retention. While the beech tree can hold onto its leaves for a significant portion of the year, the hornbeam only manages to keep its leaves for about a month or so. This can be quite disappointing if you are looking for a tree with long-lasting foliage.
Furthermore, the leaves of the hornbeam are primarily juvenile leaves, which means they are not fully mature. This can result in a less appealing appearance compared to the beech tree. The hornbeam’s leaves tend to be more brown and crinkly in nature, lacking the smooth and rich leather-like quality of the beech leaves. This can be a significant factor to consider if you are looking for a tree with vibrant and aesthetically pleasing foliage.
In terms of practicality, the hornbeam’s inferior leaf color and texture may not complement the overall desired look of your garden or landscape. If you are aiming for a more polished and refined appearance, the hornbeam may not be the best choice. However, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific design goals you have in mind.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where clients were initially drawn to the hornbeam for its resemblance to the beech tree. However, upon learning about its limited leaf retention and less desirable leaf color, they ultimately opted for other tree options that could better fulfill their aesthetic requirements.
To summarize, the cons of the hornbeam include its shorter leaf retention period and the less appealing color and texture of its leaves compared to the beech tree. It is important to carefully consider these factors when deciding on the right tree for your garden or landscape design.
