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Many people are fascinated by these upright so-called cornbeams. These trees are actually a columnar or fastigiate form of hornbeam (Carpinus) and received their cornbeam moniker from a friend who misheard the tree's common name.
To create a similar effect, plant a straight-trunked hornbeam (fastigiate beech also work for this process) and trim it back deeply each year to create a series of tightly held branches. As the tree develops, it can be trained into this form, using hand shears or pruners (electric trimmers tend to shred the branches). It may require multiple prunings in a year.
At his home in the Netherlands, Piet Oudulf has created this effect with silver weeping pears that he has trained in a rectangular form, which is equally appealing and takes a more straightforward pruning. The principles are the same as creating a clipped hedge.
Special Thanks:
Piet Oudulf
www.Oudolf.com