It looks like it's had many other branches in that same area cut off already, why was that one left?

That's a good question. I removed the other branches because I wanted a higher canopy and to keep them from growing into the nearby Tsuga.

Well, it's not too late. Branches of 2" or less can be candidate for removal and a tree like 'Ironwood' shouldn't give you any trouble with a 'weak spot' to break.

It's still going to grow into the trees around it regardless of the apparently continuing stripping of the lower trunk of branches. With the base problem not being the hornbeam attempting to assume its natural habit but rather the close spacing of the involved trees - over pruning is never a solution to overplanting.

So, would you prune or not prune?

If your reason for planting the hornbeam in that location is for shading the bench area and if pruning the branch off would reduce that feature at a certain time of day, then no, I'd leave it.

The Hemlock will become a much larger tree than the hornbeam and though hard to tell exactly by looking at the picture, will, in time fill that whole area behind the bench.

TBH, Being the hemlock is located so well and makes a great backdrop to your bench, I'd consider removing the hornbeam altogether and replace with some sort of a narrow upright or low globular shrub in that spot.

I’m not trying to inhibit or promote either tree in any way at this point. I was looking at this question from more of a form/ornamental perspective. They’re both shade tolerant and my hope is they’ll grow to be nice specimens, and they may even touch each other. Oh, my!

Here’s another Carpinus well away from the other. I’m trying to appreciate the lower branch, but removing it has crossed my mind. Pruning is like getting a tattoo: it’s forever, which is why I’ve implemented a 48-hour waiting period before I reach for the loppers.

Your tree, your choice.

I hope at least I've given you something to think about. :-)

Oh, yes, this is always valuable discussion, especially when it comes to pruning. BTW, here’s a pic of the other Carpinus. Small problems. :)

last pic.. just above ... you must have a riding lawnmower ...if so.. isnt that a reason alone to remove it ... and hand prune all the little downward growing spurs ...

man i went to town on trees that knocked off my hat or my glasses ... it isnt funny when you mess with my eyes ... and to be sure.. i mow at speed.. none of this puttering around every tree in the yard .. lol ...

of course.. maybe you have a lawn service and the rest is moot ...

so i guess i am not looking at the aesthetic goals ... nor what is good for the tree goals ... my goal is functionality in the garden with a lawn mower ...

prune when you have a goal.. goals can vary ... so pick the goal that is important to you .. and act accordingly ...

ken

The first tree you posted doesn't look too bad because it's not really a walkway, so the low branch wouldn't be that big of a problem.

The last pic you posted is different. Like ken mentioned, mowing on a rider could be a problem and that branch will only continue to grow and take up real estate.

So I'd cut the branch on the second tree shown.

You asked. :o)

If these are American hornbeam the low wide habit is characteristic of the typical species. And with both examples asked about here it's a bit late in the game to be cutting off these large branches. In addition the smaller tree is still young enough that what it should be getting is a nice wide mulched area instead of being stripped so that a mower can be snugged in close.