Beech Hedge Plant Description

Beech hedges, commonly referred to as Fagus Sylvatica, European Beech or Common Beech, are deciduous trees that typically achieve a final height of 5 metres when fully mature and has a growth rate of around 30-60cm per year.

Famed for its splendid foliage, the beloved beech hedge boasts a profusion of bright, fluttering leaves, displaying a delicate golden-green hue throughout spring and summer that gradually intensifies, turning into a stunning copper shade come autumn.

Although not officially classed as an evergreen hedge, the striking winter leaves provide visual interest year-round, as well as offering the practical benefits of privacy and shielding from wind and noise. This hedge plant is also great for wildlife, offering valuable habitat and creating vivid seasonal interest.

Traditionally, these hedges are solitary, forming an elegant formal focal point. Nevertheless, they can also be incorporated into a mixed native hedge to introduce a touch of semi-evergreen allure. Beech hedging additionally serves as a valuable windbreak.

Why Choose Beech Hedging?

So, what sets Beech hedges (Fagus) apart? Let's take a closer look at the advantages:

Year-round appeal: Beech hedges offer year-round beauty, with fresh green leaves in the warmer months and a stunning display of warm copper tones in the fall.

Privacy and screening: Beech hedges have dense foliage that forms an effective privacy screen, making them an excellent choice for creating secluded garden areas or shielding your property from prying eyes.

Versatile design: Whether you prefer a formal, manicured garden or a more relaxed, natural look, Beech hedges can be tailored to suit your design preferences.

Planting & Maintaining Beech Hedges

Planting and maintaining Beech hedging is relatively straightforward. They thrive in well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types. Here are some key considerations:

Planting Beech Hedges: The best time to plant Beech hedging is in late autumn or early spring when the soil is workable.

Spacing: Space your Beech hedge plants approximately 2-3 feet apart for a dense and uniform hedge.

Pruning Beech Hedges: Regular pruning in Beech hedging should be pruned once or twice a year depending on how quickly it grows. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain the desired shape and promotes healthy growth. In the second year of being planted, it will grow quickly as it becomes more established. We would suggest pruning the hedge with loppers or if you have the time using secatueurs as it will leave the hedge looking tidier.

Feeding Beech Hedges: The best feed for beech hedging is bonemeal and fish blood and bone, this can be done throughout the growing season, normally in late Spring and again in late Summer.

Beech Hedging for Sale

At Grasslands Nursery, we offer a wide variety of Beech hedge options. Our expertly grown Beech hedging plants are available in different sizes, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your garden or project.

Frequently Asked Questions