A Hedge on Stilts.Pleaching is an ancient horticultural technique where tree branches are woven and trained on a support to create a flat, dense screen - similar to a living wall. A perfect application for screening above a standard 6’ residential fence.
The summer of 2025 finally saw branching on each support. I removed the bottom support and accompanying branches to "raise" the hedge.
In 2020, I purchased 5 American Hornbeam trees from Homestead Gardens. They branched low and didn't even reach the first support.
By 2023, I added three more bamboo supports and deck hangers for additional stabilization. After three years of training, I was starting to see leafy progress.
Delicate catkins emerge on the American Hornbeam as it starts to leaf out in the spring.
Clusters of pendulous seeds persist through fall and add a hops like interest through the warm months.
2025 - Many branches have been trimmed to facilitate the height of the pleaching. These cuts will become less visible over time.
After five years, the pleaching doesn't quite screen the neighboring house. I am confident it will be fully screened in another three years. The trees are stabilized and ready to fill in and grow up.