Green Beech: What You Need To Know | Hedging UK
Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a popular, native deciduous tree with beautiful foliage, providing year-round interest. Despite being deciduous, its coppery leaves often remain on the branches throughout winter, giving it excellent value as a privacy hedge.
Below is some helpful information about using Green Beech for hedges, or take a look at our Green Beech Hedging Plants for sale.
Green Beech Description:
Growth Habit:
Green Beech has an upright, spreading growth habit. It forms a dense, elegant hedge when regularly pruned and is ideal for both formal and informal settings. It grows steadily and thickens well over time.
Foliage:
The fresh spring leaves are bright green, maturing to a rich, deep green in summer. In autumn, they turn golden-copper and many remain on the branches through winter—especially when clipped as a hedge—maintaining structure and privacy.
Flowers and Fruits:
Small yellow-green flowers appear in spring, followed by beechnuts (mast) in autumn. These are a valuable food source for wildlife.
Sunlight and Soil Requirements:
Beech prefers well-drained soils, especially those with a chalky or sandy loam texture. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, though its winter leaf retention is best in sunnier spots. Avoid waterlogged or very heavy clay soils.
Hedge Pruning:
Beech hedges should be trimmed once or twice a year. A summer trim in late July or August helps encourage winter leaf retention, while a winter cut can help maintain size and structure.
Maintenance:
Once established, Green Beech is low-maintenance. Water during dry spells for the first couple of years, apply mulch annually, and trim regularly to maintain shape and density.
Hardiness:
Green Beech is fully hardy in the UK and tolerates cold, wind, and frost. It performs best in inland or sheltered sites but can be used in most locations with the right soil.
Toxicity:
Beech is non-toxic to humans and pets, but the nuts may cause mild stomach upset in large quantities.
Where is the Best Place to Plant a Beech Hedge?
Light Requirements:
Best grown in full sun or light shade. Retains winter leaves more reliably in sunny spots.
Soil Type:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils—chalky, sandy, or loamy. Avoid heavy, wet clay or compacted ground.
Space and Size:
Green Beech is ideal for medium to tall hedges. It suits garden boundaries, rural estates, and formal avenues.
Protection from Winds:
Hardy enough for exposed sites but prefers some shelter for best foliage and form.
Accessibility:
Ensure space for annual trimming. Beech hedges can become dense and will benefit from regular shaping.
What Time of Year Do You Plant Green Beech?
Plant in autumn (October to December) or early spring (February to April) for best results.
Bare-root plants should be planted during the dormant season, while container-grown plants can be planted year-round if kept well-watered.
How Far Apart to Plant Beech for a Hedge?
Spacing depends on plant size and hedge type:
- Single row: Plant 30–45cm apart
- Double staggered row: Plant 45–60cm apart
- For faster results, plant more densely; for cost-efficiency, space more widely
How Do I Plant Green Beech?
- Clear weeds and prepare a trench with compost or soil improver
- Plant at the same depth as the plant was growing in its nursery
- Firm in well and water thoroughly
- Apply mulch and water regularly during the first growing season
How Far to Plant Green Beech from a Fence?
Leave at least 45 to 60cm (1.5 to 2 feet) between the hedge and any structure or fence for access and growth space.
How Fast Does Green Beech Grow?
Green Beech is a moderate grower, typically gaining 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) in height per year in good conditions. With regular pruning, it will form a dense hedge within a few years.
How Big Does Green Beech Get?
Unpruned, this plant can grow into a majestic tree up to 30 metres (100 feet) tall. As a hedge, it is typically maintained between 1.5 and 4 metres (5–13 feet) tall, depending on your desired height and style.
Is Green Beech Hardy in the UK?
Yes, Green Beech is a fully hardy hedge and suitable for most parts of the UK. It tolerates cold winters, though it prefers soils that are not waterlogged.
Can You Keep Green Beech Small?
Yes, it can be regularly trimmed to maintain a compact, neat form. It’s commonly used for hedges as low as 1 metre and as tall as 4 metres.
Can Beech Be Cut Back Hard?
Beech can tolerate hard pruning, especially when it is dormant in winter. This makes it a good candidate for rejuvenating overgrown hedges.
How Do You Thicken a Green Beech Hedge?
To thicken your beech hedge:
- Trim annually in summer to encourage leaf retention and lateral growth
- Use a wider base when trimming to allow light to reach the lower leaves
- Water in dry spells and mulch to retain moisture
- Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage strong, leafy growth
Which Grows Faster: Beech or Hornbeam?
Both have similar growth rates, but Hornbeam can cope better with heavy, wet soils, while Beech is ideal for well-drained, sunny positions. Beech may have a slightly finer texture and a more formal appearance when clipped.
Do Green Beech Hedges Lose Their Leaves?
Technically, yes— it is deciduous, but when regularly trimmed as a hedge, the dead leaves stay on the branches through winter, especially in sheltered, sunny locations. This provides year-round privacy and wind protection.
Conclusion
Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a timeless and elegant choice for hedging, prized for its seasonal colour, structured appearance, and year-round screening. It’s particularly suited to well-drained soils and offers excellent formality and wildlife value with relatively low maintenance. With proper care, a Green Beech hedge becomes a defining feature of any landscape.