Hi David,

Even though the stem that was snapped entirely will probably sprout again, I recommend replacing severely damaged plants with ones as close in size to the surrounding plants as possible - you will be waiting a long time otherwise, as the new shoots will have to compete with the hedge around them.

Cut off mangled branches at the trunk - be sure not to cut quite flush with the trunk, leaving a couple of millimetres of "branch collar" to ensure speedy closing of the wound.

If there are cuts to the stem, you could help the tree by painting them over with a sealing product.

If it has been dry recently, by all means water your hedge to help the survivors.

You can get Replacement Hornbeam up to about 1.5 metres at http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/Hornb...rpinus-betulus