Carpinus betulus is a semi-evergreen native tree species, ideal for hedging and pleaching. In autumn the leaves turn golden yellow and it will hold some leaf during the winter. Carpinus betulus hedging tolerates poor soil conditions and exposed sites better than Beech. With green catkins in late spring through to autumn, turning to fruit making it ideal for wildlife.
Hornbeam's  appearance in winter is similar to Beech with copper-coloured leaves, but loses more leaves. Hornbeam's leaves consist of less vibrant brown-grey compared to the autumnal orange-brown tones of Beech.