Is a Green Beech hedge evergreen?

Green beech is not evergreen but deciduous with leaves that turn a copper/ brown colour in Autumn.  However, unlike other deciduous plants, green beech holds on to many of these copper coloured leaves throughout the autumn and winter months, until they are replaced by new leaf growth coming through in the spring.

Does Green Beech make a good hedge?

Because beech holds onto its leaves in autumn, it continues to offer privacy, shelter and interest all year-round.  Beech is well suited to both formal and informal garden settings, is easy to maintain and enjoys most growing conditions, making it an excellent choice of hedge.

How long does it take for a beech hedge to establish?

This will depend on several factors such as whether you are planting individual plants or a pre-grown hedge, the size of the plants, the soil conditions, to name a few.  Generally, roots will begin to establish within the first 2 years and by years 3 to 4, the hedge will have grown significantly and become more dense.  By the fifth year of planting the hedge will be well-established, providing effective privacy, windbreak, and aesthetic value.

What is the growth rate of a green beech hedge?

Green beech grows relatively quickly, at around 30-60 cm per year.  This means they will establish to create a hedge reasonably quickly compared to slower growing species. .

What is the longevity of a green beech hedge? 

Green beech hedges can live for many years, often thriving for decades with proper care and maintenance, making them a fantastic long-term investment for any garden.

When is the best time of year to plant a beech hedge?

At Hedging UK we sell container grown beech plants and instant pre grown beech hedges. Container grown hedge plants can be planted all year round, although they are easier to keep watered if planted in the Autumn, Winter or Spring.  If you are planting bare root beech plants, it is best to do so when the plants are dormant, during the months October to February.

How do you prepare the ground for hedge planting?

First clear away any grass, weeds or debris from the area you wish to plant your hedge, as these will compete for water and nutrients within the soil and may prevent your hedge from establishing quickly.  Next, you should use a string line to mark where you wish your hedge to grow and to ensure it grows straight and then dig a trench about 60cm wide by 30cm deep. For more information on Planting a Beech Hedge please look at our guide.

Best place to plant a beech hedge

Choosing the right location for your beech hedge will give it the best possible start, especially if you want it to be established quickly.  Beech hedges prefer to grow in sun or partial shade.  They will grow in a variety of soil types such as clay, loam and sandy soils as long as it drains well, as this will ensure the roots do not get waterlogged and rot.  If you are planting a boundary hedge, ensure you plant it about 90cm from the boundary line, to ensure the hedge, once fully grown, does not overreach the boundary and cause a dispute.

How many beech hedge plants per metre?

Plant distancing will vary from between 30-60cm depending on the size of the plants and how long you are prepared to wait until you have a hedge at the desired height and density.  If you want to establish a dense hedge more quickly, then you may wish to plant the beech plants a little closer to each other, although it is important to ensure light can reach and air can circulate each plant.

If you want to establish a hedge of more than 90cm in thickness, plant two rows in a staggered pattern, spacing the rows 45 cm apart, and position each plant 90 cm from the next one. For more information on beech hedge plant spacing please refer to our guide.

How and when to trim a beech hedge

Pruning your beech hedge is important to maintain its health and appearance and only needs to be done once a year.  This will promote growth and density and ensure good air circulation around the branches, to keep pests and disease at bay.

For newly planted hedges, you do not need to do any pruning for the first few years, unless branches are sparse.  In such cases you should trim the leading shoot by one third, to encourage outward growth rather than upward growth.  The best time of year to do this is in winter, or just after planting and should be repeated the second year, if more encouragement is required.

For established hedges, trim annually in August, as this will encourage the hedge to retain any new leaf growth when they turn brown in the autumn.  This will ensure the hedge keeps its autumnal leaves until new leaves unfurl the following spring, thereby maintaining structure and privacy screening all year round. For more information on trimming a beech hedge please refer to our guide.

How much can you cut back a beech hedge

Beech hedging responds well to pruning and can be cut back hard if overgrown.  However, it is better to stagger hard pruning over a couple of years, concentrating on pruning one side of the hedge and the top in year one, and then the other side in year two.  If regrowth is slow after the first year’s hard prune, leave further pruning for another year.

Is hornbeam hedging a good alternative to a green beech hedge?

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a great alternative to a green beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedge. Here are some reasons why you might choose hornbeam:

• Adaptability: Hornbeam is highly adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay soils, whereas beech prefers well-drained soil.
• Leaf Retention: Both hornbeam and beech retain their dead leaves during winter, providing some year-round privacy. However, hornbeam may hold onto its leaves slightly better in exposed sites.
• Growth Rate: Hornbeam tends to grow faster than beech, so it can establish a hedge more quickly.
• Hardiness: Hornbeam is generally more resistant to pests and diseases compared to beech.

Ultimately, both hornbeam and beech make excellent hedging plants, so your choice might depend on your specific garden conditions and preferences.