Beech trees are classic hedge plants and look a bit more elegant than hornbeams. Our expert tips will help you keep them in shape as a hedge.
The common beech (Fagus sylvatica) is colloquially known to us as beech because it is the only Fagus beech species in Central Europe . At 15%, it is the most common deciduous tree in German forests. But a beech is not only good as a mighty tree, with the right pruning and a little care, it can also be transformed into a wind-resistant and undemanding hedge. Even in winter, the deciduous tree offers good privacy, because most varieties only lose their autumn leaves in spring. That is why beeches are the ultimate hedge plants, especially for supporters of native flora.
Buy beech and beech hedges
Seedlings for your new property demarcation or the long-awaited windbreak are available in the garden center, in the tree nursery or can be purchased online. But the choice is not just limited to the selection of the most beautiful variety for you. It must also be considered whether container or bale goods should end up in the ground.
How much does a beech hedge grow and how big can it get?
If the location is well chosen, European beeches grow quickly when young. Up to a young age of 50 years, a height and width growth of 40 to 70 cm per year is achieved. Between April and May the beech has a real growth spurt. The shoots then hang a little limp towards the ground. However, this subsides as the lignin formation progresses over the course of the year. The beech also owes its name to the reddish color of the young shoots. If the beech is not trimmed to form a hedge, the trees can reach heights of up to 30 metres. The trunk thus reaches a circumference of up to two meters.
Beech hedge: he althy plants
Balled goods usually look more like a dead stick than the beginning of a magnificent hedge when you buy them. The plants will, however, ifif they are he althy, bud vigorously in the same year. When unpacking the plant, make sure that there are no visible injuries. This also applies to container goods. In addition, the plants should be at least 60 cm tall when you buy them.
Buy a beech hedge: bulbs or container plants?
Balled goods are cheaper, but have to be planted directly in the ground after purchase. Container goods in pots are more expensive and heavier, but the plants do not have to be planted immediately. Both variants are equally good for growing. Anyone who can get their hedge into the ground in a weekend saves money with bare-root plants. For those who want to take their time, containerized goods are better.
Plant beech hedges
There is not much to consider when choosing the location of your hedge. Find a sunny to partially shaded spot. Young beech trees in particular are relatively shade-tolerant. Wind is also well tolerated after growth, which is why the hedges can serve as wonderful windbreaks. When it comes to the soil, it should be noted that clay soils are not well tolerated due to the increased risk of waterlogging. Deep, nutrient-rich, permeable sandy to loamy soils are preferred. The plants are very compatible with the pH of the soil. Whether acidic or alkaline, the common beech thrives.
When will the beech hedge be planted?
Planting time for beech trees is late winter to early spring. So that the seedlings feel completely comfortable, the planting should take place on an overcast and windless day. In addition, the ground should not be too wet and definitely not frozen.
Procedure for planting the beech hedge
Here it is particularly important to prepare the soil well. This preparation is best done in the fall. Otherwise you have to dig your way through the hard winter soil. Loosen up the entire area intended for the future hedge by digging up to three times the depth of the root ball. After that, the earth is mixed with mature manure or compost. This improves permeability and soil quality. The procedure for later planting is as follows:
- Balls: soak roots in water for several hours before planting
- Removal of all weeds in the planting area
- Stretch a string to make the hedge straight
- Planting hole/ditch: 2 - 4 times as wide as the root ball and shallow; in the middlePile up soil easily
- Remove any injured root with clean and sharp secateurs
- Place the seedlings on the elevation in the planting hole; Carefully place roots on the sides
- Fill the planting hole with soil so that all the roots are covered and press down
- Place pouring edge and press on
An accumulation of soil in the root area must be avoided at all costs.
Tip: If you are struggling with very poor soil, you can also use a high-quality organic soil such as our Plantura organic universal soil for planting your beech hedge.
Beech hedge: The right planting distance
Untrimmed, the crown can shade an area of up to 600 m². Planted in a hedge, the sapling won't grow nearly as wide. When planting in rows, two to four plants are planted per meter. A staggered double row can also be created so that the hedge grows nice and dense. Where:
- Balls: 5 - 7 plants per meter
- Container goods: 4 - 6 plants per meter
This sounds like a decent scramble in later times, but you have to assume that not every seedling will make it through. The resulting gaps are then closed by the surrounding seedlings and provide the necessary space. However, it is not only important to pay attention to the planting distance to neighboring plants. Maintain at least the legally prescribed distance of 50 cm from the property line or from walls. The hedge around the top is easy to keep in check, but the roots like to burst through the asph alt or lift up the paving stones.
Water the beech hedge after planting and mulch
After planting, the plants are watered vigorously. Fill up the pouring rim and let the water seep away. This will remove air bubbles and allow the soil to settle. Finally, a good layer of mulch, lawn clippings, leaves or mature manure ends up on the root area. This layer insulates, protects against evaporation and keeps unwanted weeds at bay. Since the seedlings are still very sensitive, a protective cover for the trunk is recommended. This protects the young building from wind and pests. Spiral plastic tree guards that expand as the tree grows work best.
You can find more information and tips on planting beech hedges here.
Proper maintenance of beech hedges
Beech trees are the ideal hedges for garden beginners because they don't need a lot of care. Neither constant fertilizing and watering, nor winter protection are required once the plants have established themselves.
Water and fertilize beech hedge properly
Especially in the first two years, your hedge is dependent on additional watering. This is only necessary when the soil around the trunk is dry. When watering, remember that beech trees do not tolerate waterlogging or longer periods of drought. Fertilize once a year with long-term fertilizer, compost, lawn clippings or horn shavings. Alternatively, liquid fertilizer is regularly added to the irrigation water during the growth phase. Be sure to use a mostly organic fertilizer. This has a depot effect and is much more environmentally friendly than the mineral alternative. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is also such a primarily organic long-term fertilizer. It can already be put into the planting hole when planting the beech hedge and is applied in spring in the following years. You can find more details on correct fertilizing of (red) beech hedges here.
A tip for opponents of leaf raking: Leave the leaves below the hedge to inhibit weed growth - double the workload. In addition, the foliage layer serves as an additional source of nutrients for the trees and as protection in winter.
Beech hedge in winter
The common beech is a deciduous tree that is native to us and copes excellently with our winters. In autumn, the leaves shine in the typical autumn colors until they have reached their final brown phase. With many varieties, the leaves are only shed in the spring, so the hedge also offers good privacy protection in winter. Of course, our privacy is not the reason for keeping the sheets. They serve as additional protection, because the trees tend to develop sunburn. Therefore, protect young, deciduous trees with burlap or sticks. The plants have no problem with the temperatures. They are hardy down to -30 °C. Well-established hedges therefore do not need additional winter protection. A protective layer of mulch is applied to young hedges. This protects against evaporation, which becomes much more of a problem than the frosty temperatures. In addition, additional watering is carried out on frost-free, dry days if necessary.
Cutting and shortening beech hedges
Beech trees grow very quickly, especially when they are young. Regular pruning is essential so that your hedge does not grow too much over your head and you generate nice branching.
Beech hedge: When to cut?
Pruning is done twice a year for optimal hedge growth. The first cut takes place on a frost-free, dry and overcast day in March - before the first growth spurt of the beech. After a mild winter, pruning begins as early as February. Between June and August, scissors are used a second time. This gives new shoots enough time to mature before the first frost. Diseased and damaged shoots are removed year-round.
Beech hedge: How hard to cut?
You don't have to be squeamish with a red beech hedge. A strong pruning ensures a nice dense growth. However, this stronger pruning should be reserved for the first cut. Here you can find out exactly how the skilful cut of a copper beech hedge should look like and what needs to be considered when shaping it. The second cut only moderately thins out and removes unwanted side shoots. Otherwise you get into the enclosure of breeding birds. If you want to give the native bird families some rest, move the second cut to a time after the breeding season or cut back very carefully. The breeding season usually ends at the end of June.
Shorten the beech hedge radically
A radical pruning is well tolerated in older specimens and should take place every few years. During the rejuvenation cut, very old branches are removed and the hedge is thinned out on the inside. All shoots can also be shortened down to the old wood. Leave at least three eyes so that new shoots form. The rejuvenation serves to make room for new shoots and takes place in February or March.
In autumn you can find large amounts of beechnuts on the ground. We introduce you to the fruit of the common beech in this article.