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.
When should beech be cut back?
Prune a beech tree, if necessary, between autumn and early spring. It is usual to create a clear trunk of 2.4-3m (8-10ft) to allow the sweeping lower branches some space to develop. Cuts with a diameter larger than 6cm (2½in) may not heal so readily so try to keep these to a minimum.
How far can you cut back a beech hedge?
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).
How do you prune an overgrown beech hedge?
Take the branches on one side back to within 30cms (12″) of the main trunks in the middle of the hedge (and very lightly trim the branches on the other side). Just do one side in one winter as you will cut out a large number of dormant growth buds, and these need to regenerate the following spring and summer.
When should you not cut a beech hedge? – Related Questions
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.
Can I cut beech hedge in summer?
The best time for trimming Beech hedges is in late summer, ideally in August. By trimming at this time of year the hedge will respond by retaining its leaves through the Winter giving the effective year-round screen that is often sought from this species.
How do you cut a thick overgrown hedge?
Steps:
- Use loppers to remove one-third of the older stems, so sunlight can penetrate the hedge’s interior.
- Find long stems that grow out of hedge, and snip them close to the ground.
- Where one stem branches into two, cut just above the Y-shaped split.
- Continue cutting older stems, but leave new growth.
Can you cut back overgrown hedges?
Overgrown hedges can handle a heavy trim, but take care not to sever any of the main branches that feed the top. If possible, trim hedges in mid-morning. This is when the dew has evaporated and there is limited moisture in the air. If not possible, aim for late afternoon.
How do you manage an overgrown hedge?
Reduce the height by up to one-third in April. Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. This will allow more light and air into the area around the hedge. Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
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.
Can you cut a beech hedge in July?
To maintain an established beech hedgerow, the second week of August (Northern Hemisphere) is the best time to prune. Beech hedges will produce a flush of new leaves in response to the trimming. This foliage will remain on the beech hedgerow plants for the winter.
When should a hedge be cut back hard?
Late winter or very early spring is best, to avoid trimming the hedge during its peak growing season. Always try to cut a hedge back after the flowering season. Getting the timing right will ensure that when you do cut the hedge, the shape will remain visible for longer.
Do beech hedges have deep roots?
Beech is very shallow rooted in the first couple of years after planting. In year 1 in particular, if there is a dry week PLEASE WATER YOUR HEDGE.
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.
Is beech a good hedge?
Beech hedging plants have a huge range of benefits including privacy and screening properties, wind and noise reduction, and the ability to be grown as either a formal hedge or left with a more natural aesthetic.
How much water does a beech hedge need?
5 Litres of water per metre of hedging, at least twice a week. During warm or dry periods, you should increase the frequency of watering.
How long does a beech hedge take to establish?
You can expect your beech hedge to grow at an average rate of 30cm to 60cm per year. Don’t worry if your hedge seems sluggish in the first year. This is normal as it will be spending energy establishing its roots. After the first year, you should find that the rate of growth will increase.
How deep do beech hedges roots go?
The deepest roots typically reach a maximum of 7 feet. Beech is fairly drought-tolerant but will thrive better if provided moderate water in summer.
When should I feed my beech hedge?
The best time to apply feed to hedges is when rain is due within two days. You can also deposit lawn clippings under hedging –once they’re not too thick and once you’ve not recently treated the lawn with weed killer. Home-made compost from your own composter will also help your hedge to thrive.
How do you grow a thick beech hedge?
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.