Beech
(Fagus Sylvatica)

Although the Beech hedge is deciduous, it is sometimes known as semi-deciduous due to the way its bold winter leaves stay on the hedge until they are ready for new leaves in the spring. As it provides year-round interest, the Beech hedge is a perfect alternative to any evergreen hedging.

Beech is quite a fast grower, reaching roughly 30-60cm per annum. It is great on its own as a traditional hedge, however, it can also make a pleasant addition to a native mixed hedge, as to provide a lovely pop of colour in the winter.

The Fagus Sylvatica can grow well in sun or partial shade, and generally thrives better in well-drained soils. Though it is not suitable for wet or heavy clay sites, the Beech hedge can be grown in windy places (and can be used as a windbreak hedge). The plant is a great attraction to wildlife and is seen as one of the best hedging species for providing colourful, all year, seasonal interest.

• Growth Height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, exposed, inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, sun
• Evergreen foliage? No

The Beech hedge has an average rate of maintenance, and if you are to plan out the care routine, you may only have to prune twice, or even once, a year. The plant can be lightly trimmed in June if necessary, however, we do recommend leaving the pruning stage until the hedge is full established in the late summer. August is generally the perfect time to do so, as the Beech has had enough time to recover and regrow before the arriving winter.

In terms of renovation, this sort of maintenance should preferably be carried out in February, whilst it is still resting. In terms of needing to cut back by more than half the size, it is generally best to gradually do it over two seasons (cut back the top and one side first, then leave the other side for next year). Hard pruning should not be worried about as Beech hedging has quite a fast growth rate, so it will more than likely quickly recover.

When should I plant Beech hedging?

The best time to plant your Beech hedge is during April or May.

How far apart do you plant Beech plants?

You will need to space your Beech plants around 45-60cm apart, but this does depend on the plant size (we recommend at least 3 per metre for smaller plants such as 40/60cm).

How to plant your Beech hedging:

Begin by digging a strip that is 60-90cm wide and one spade deep. Ensure you have removed all weeds - you can use a weed killer to do so.

Spread out the roots nicely and scrape away any excess compost from container-grown plants. With sandy/hardy soils, mix garden compost with the soil dug out from the hole - this will be used to backfill the hole.

Place the hedging into the hole(s), and ensure you work the soil between the roots - placing the soil mix into the remaining space. Press down to secure, and water well if the soil is dry. Ensure they stay well-watered for 2 years (during dry spells).