How to Address Hornbeam Hedge Losing Leaves

I planted a Carpinus Betulas hedge using bareroot plants last February, and it's growing well. However, a few of the plants have lost all of their leaves this winter while the others have retained most of theirs. Could they be different varieties? Since I want screening in the winter, should I replace the plants that lost leaves, or will they eventually recover?

Hornbeam hedging is grown from seed, and each plant has separate genetics, which can result in slight variations in leaf retention. Vigorous plants are more likely to hold their leaves, and older hedges generally retain leaves better. However, other factors such as site exposure and weather also play a role, and a warm autumn and mild winter tend to improve leaf retention. Despite this, hornbeam is generally not as reliable as beech for retaining leaves, and hedges may often be bare. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the plants that lost their leaves as they will likely grow out of the problem, but do not expect full winter screening with hornbeam.