Hornbeam Help

Hello All I planted a new hornbeam hedge last November and the plants have just stared to come in leaf... Am wondering if I should be pruning the new plants to encourage 'bushy' growth or just leave them? Advice on the web seem to be 50/50 on cutting vs leaving... Plants are between 4-12 inches tall.. Any thoughts?

I would leave them to gain some height this year and then prune the tops out in autumn when they go dormant.  That should encourage new side shoots next spring which will help them thicken up.

Thanks Obelixx - had pretty much arrived at the same conclusion - but reassuring to get a second opinion. Thanks again!