{"product_id":"carpinus-betulus-frans-fontaine","title":"Frans Fontaine Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCreate Stunning Vertical Accents Without Constant Maintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrans Fontaine Hornbeam gives you a narrow, elegant tree for privacy, street tree planting, and formal landscape structure without the constant pruning many upright trees require.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003ecolumnar European hornbeam\u003c\/strong\u003e is valued for its rigid, sleek shape, rich green \u003cstrong\u003esummer foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e, and strong urban performance. If you want a handsome tree that adds height, shade, and seasonal color while taking up less ground-level space, \u003cstrong\u003eCarpinus betulus Frans Fontaine\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smart, long-lived choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for tough locations, smaller landscapes, and refined garden designs, \u003cstrong\u003eFrans Fontaine\u003c\/strong\u003e creates a clean vertical accent that stays naturally narrow as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally columnar form\u003c\/strong\u003e – The tree maintains a narrow, upright columnar habit with little pruning, making it ideal where you need enough space for walkways, driveways, streets, or smaller gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFour-season appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e – Rich green leaves in summer turn \u003cstrong\u003egold yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e to golden yellow in autumn, while smooth gray bark and dense branches add winter structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought tolerant once established\u003c\/strong\u003e – After the first growing season, Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is known for strong drought tolerance, reducing long-term watering demands in urban environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile placement\u003c\/strong\u003e – Use it as a street tree, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees\"\u003eprivacy screen\u003c\/a\u003e, formal hedge, allée, parking lot tree, or vertical feature in a modern landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardy and long lived\u003c\/strong\u003e – It reliably grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, withstands urban air pollution, compact spaces, heavy winds, and winter road salt, and the tree can survive up to 120 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a beautiful, low-maintenance tree that delivers height, color, and structure without spreading aggressively into nearby spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost columnar trees start narrow when young but lose their shape as they mature, forcing gardeners and property owners into regular corrective pruning. \u003cstrong\u003eFrans Fontaine Columnar Hornbeam\u003c\/strong\u003e provides:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior form retention\u003c\/strong\u003e – This cultivar is known for its columnar growth habit, retaining its sleek form into maturity, which makes it an excellent choice for street trees. Compared with broader European hornbeam selections such as ‘Fastigiata,’ Frans Fontaine seldom spreads as widely and keeps a tighter columnar habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional urban tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is an excellent choice for urban landscaping due to its narrow, columnar form, making it suitable for smaller spaces and street tree applications. It also handles pollution, compacted urban settings, heavy winds, winter road salt, and tough locations where less durable specimens may struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional-grade results\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its rigidly columnar form gives residential landscapes the same formal, geometric effect often seen in commercial campuses, civic streetscapes, and high-end garden designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal ornamental value\u003c\/strong\u003e – Frans Fontaine Hornbeam features rich green foliage in summer that turns a striking golden yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest. Its summer foliage is a rich green that turns to a striking gold in autumn, providing seasonal interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdded winter character\u003c\/strong\u003e – The smooth gray bark of the Frans Fontaine Hornbeam adds an interesting dimension to the landscape, enhancing its ornamental appeal. In some climates, it exhibits marcescence, holding onto dried brown leaves through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have decided against larger shade trees because they grow too wide, this narrow European hornbeam gives you the height and presence of a substantial tree with a more controlled footprint, making it a strong option within broader \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/landscape-trees\"\u003elandscape tree selections\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Frans Fontaine Hornbeams Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose the right location\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant Frans Fontaine Hornbeam in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e. It also performs well in partial sun, and it can tolerate a range of exposure levels as long as the site gives the tree enough light to fully develop its dense columnar form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare the soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis tree can grow well in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained, making it versatile for different landscaping conditions. This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of various soil types as long as they are well-drained, which aligns with Yardwork’s broader mission as a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eplant nursery for building personalized outdoor spaces\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater through establishment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season so the young root system can establish in the ground. Mulch helps protect soil moisture, especially during hot summer weather or dry wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet the natural shape develop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce established, the Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is very drought tolerant, making it suitable for a variety of growing conditions. It requires little pruning to maintain its natural shape but tolerates heavy shearing if you want to use it as a formal hedge or clipped screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy long-term structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatch as the tree develops a narrow, columnar form, reaching impressive height while keeping a controlled spread. The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam can grow to a height of 40 to 50 feet and has a spread of about 20 feet at maturity. It typically matures to a height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, depending on site conditions, stock size, climate, and care, and Yardwork also offers \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/trees\"\u003emature trees for immediate landscape impact\u003c\/a\u003ewhen you want instant height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimple planting, smart establishment care, and minimal ongoing pruning give you a clean vertical accent that continues making a strong landscape statement year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frans Fontaine Hornbeam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCarpinus betulus\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Frans Fontaine’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Columnar European hornbeam \/ Frans Fontaine columnar hornbeam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Narrow, upright, rigidly columnar habit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Street tree, privacy screen, formal hedge, allée, vertical landscape accent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam matures to a height of 40 to 50 feet and has a spread of about 20 feet, making it suitable for various landscape settings, similar in scale to other ornamental shade choices like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow maple\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical size range:\u003c\/strong\u003e It typically matures to a height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional maturity range:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam can grow to a height of 40 to 50 feet and has a spread of about 20 feet at maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow to moderate growth; young trees put on steady growth with proper watering and well drained soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich green summer foliage that turns yellow in autumn, often appearing gold yellow to striking golden yellow in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth gray bark adds ornamental value, especially in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e It reliably grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade; partial sun is acceptable in many landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adaptable to sandy soil, clay soil, and other soil types when drainage is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrban tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Withstands urban air pollution, compact spaces, heavy winds, and winter road salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drought tolerant once established; regular watering is important during the first year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires little pruning to maintain its natural shape but tolerates heavy shearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLongevity:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree can survive up to 120 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners seeking elegant privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e without planting a tree that spreads too wide into a driveway, patio, or neighboring property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners needing street trees\u003c\/strong\u003e for sidewalks, parking lot edges, entry drives, and compact urban spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers creating formal allées\u003c\/strong\u003e or geometric garden designs with consistent height, rhythm, and columnar form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners who want low-maintenance beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e with rich summer color, golden fall color, and winter structure from bark and branches, and who may also enjoy adding \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for seasonal blooms\u003c\/a\u003e elsewhere in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommercial and municipal projects\u003c\/strong\u003e that need hardy, long lived trees able to handle pollution, wind, road salt, and compact planting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a handsome tree that provides vertical structure, seasonal interest, and reliable performance in a smaller footprint, Frans Fontaine Hornbeam fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much space does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrans Fontaine Hornbeam is selected for narrow spaces, but it still needs enough space to mature properly. The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam matures to a height of 40 to 50 feet and has a spread of about 20 feet, making it suitable for various landscape settings. It typically matures to a height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. For screening or street tree use, spacing depends on whether you want individual specimens, a formal allée, or a tighter hedge effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it stay narrow without pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. This cultivar is known for its columnar growth habit, retaining its sleek form into maturity, which makes it an excellent choice for street trees. It requires little pruning to maintain its natural shape but tolerates heavy shearing if you want a more formal hedge or clipped architectural line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrans Fontaine Hornbeam has slow to moderate growth. In good soil with steady water during establishment, a young tree will make dependable annual growth, but it is not a fast, short-lived tree. In ten years, it can become a substantial vertical feature while still keeping its narrow columnar habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if my soil isn’t perfect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis tree can grow well in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained, making it versatile for different landscaping conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of various soil types as long as they are well-drained. Yardwork can help review your site conditions and recommend soil testing if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Frans Fontaine Hornbeam drought tolerant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrans Fontaine Hornbeam is known for its drought tolerance once established, which is beneficial for low-maintenance landscaping in urban environments. Once established, the Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is very drought tolerant, making it suitable for a variety of growing conditions. Water regularly during the first year so the root system can establish before expecting drought performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it have good fall and winter interest?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Frans Fontaine Hornbeam features rich green foliage in summer that turns a striking golden yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest. Its summer foliage is a rich green that turns to a striking gold in autumn, providing seasonal interest. In some climates, it exhibits marcescence, holding onto dried brown leaves through winter, and its smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape, enhancing its ornamental appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop struggling with trees that grow too wide, break the intended design, or demand constant pruning just to look presentable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eFrans Fontaine Hornbeam\u003c\/strong\u003e for a narrow, hardy, drought tolerant, long lived tree with rich green summer foliage, striking gold yellow autumn color, smooth gray bark, and a sleek columnar form that works beautifully in both smaller gardens and large formal landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd Frans Fontaine Hornbeam to your cart, request a Yardwork consultation, or contact our team to review soil, spacing, stock size, and delivery options before you plant, and consider complementary trees like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/carrotwood-cupaniopsis-anacardioides\"\u003eCarrotwood and other versatile landscape choices\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/sweet-bay-laurus-nobilis-2\"\u003eBay Laurel and additional decorative or edible species\u003c\/a\u003e to round out your design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":45193171075245,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":45221833572525,"sku":null,"price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Carpinusfransfontaine.jpg?v=1762713063","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/carpinus-betulus-frans-fontaine","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}