To grow beech as a hedge, space plants from 25-45cm apart, depending on plant size and how quickly you want to achieve a dense hedge. For quick results, plant in a double staggered row with 30cm between the two rows. Plant into well-cultivated weed-free ground, at the same depth as the plant was growing previously.
How quickly does a beech hedge grow?
Beech hedging is a relatively fast grower, achieving around 30-60cm per annum.
How wide is a beech hedge?
Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) can grow to a height of 25m (80ft) and spread of 15m (50ft), so check there is space.
When should a beech hedge be set?
We are often asked this question – from a horticultural point of view the very best time to plant almost all Beech hedge plants (especially bare roots and rootballs) is in late Autumn or early Winter.
How far apart do you plant beech? – Related Questions
When should you not cut a beech hedge?
To keep them from looking scrappy you should do one major cut back a year at the end of summer and a minor trim to keep them near and tidy in February. It is important not to cut your hedges too early – wait until the late summer. This will allow your beech to keep its recent flush of new leaves over the winter.
Can I cut beech hedge in October?
After the summer growth spurt, deciduous hedges, like beech and hornbeam, need to be pruned before the leaves change colour and fall. September is the best month to do it.
How long does it take to season a beech?
Beech Wood
Another popular hardwood option, beech firewood has a slightly lower heating value than white oak and, just like white oak, beech contains a lot of moisture and so is rather difficult to dry. As a result, beech takes an average of between 12 and 24 months to season properly.
How do you set up a beech hedge?
Beech is best planted at 3 plants per metre, one every 33cms, in a single row to allow sufficient room for the roots to establish, but close enough for a tightly knit hedge to grow quickly. For a stock proof hedge, you would need to plant in a staggered double row, with the rows 40cm apart.
Can I plant beech hedge in summer?
You should buy and plant beech during the dormant season, although pot grown beech can be planted at any time of year. It grows well in sun or partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil.
How can I make my beech hedge grow faster?
Your hedge won’t need feeding but you can add some blood, fish and bone or similar feed from its secoond spring if you want to accelerate growth. It is also a good idea to add fertiliser to both sides of the hedge after heavy pruning.
What kills beech hedge?
Frost damage
The new tender Spring growths of Beech hedges can be severely damaged by late Spring frosts that occur after the leaves have emerged. As Beech is quite late to come into leaf this may not be a common occurrence and a frost of this nature is likely to damage other susceptible trees and shrubs as well.
How long does a beech hedge last?
Beech hedging is a resilient and robust hedging type that can easily live for a hundred years without too much care or maintenance.
How do you fill a gap in a beech hedge?
For deciduous hedges such as beech and hawthorn, you are best to the winter and obtain bare root or root-wrapped plants to instantly fill the gaps in the autumn, plants can be planted in the spring and summer as pot plants but are normally more expensive.
How do I make my beech hedge bushy?
Regularly pruning and trimming beech hedges encourages more branches and leaves to grow. This translates to a fuller hedge with fewer gaps or bald spots. Likewise, pruning at the correct time of year allows beech hedge plants to retain their foliage throughout the winter.
Should a hedge be wider at the bottom?
Start trimming the top of the hedge to make it flat. 4. Cut along the sides of your hedge. Make sure that the bottom of the hedge is wider than the top, so it is in a wedge shape.
Can I cut a beech hedge in half?
Old and overgrown Beech hedges can be reduced in height and width by 50% or even more if it is particularly tall and wide. The best time to undertake this job is in the early Spring (February or March).
When should you not cut hedges?
We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.