Product description
Beeches can live for up to 200 years, making this a tree of choice to plant in a garden that will see generations of family! Fagus sylvatica offers a lush foliage of green leaves that have an elliptical shape with a corrugated face. The leaves turn to a beautiful bronze and yellow in autumn. The leaves hold well and many will remain on the tree throughout the winter, until the fresh spring foliage appears.
Autumn also brings fruit called beech masts which are attractive to birdlife and wildlife, especially squirrels and deer.
Fagus sylvatica is a fully hardy tree that enjoys full sun or semi-shade. It will tolerate most soil types and grows well in lime and alkaline soils. It is suited for a variety of conditions including polluted urban sites but won’t grow well in very cold areas.
Birch trees are very versatile and responds well to pruning. By planting many close together in a row and pruning to a lower height, you can create an attractive and dense, fast growing hedge, ideal for privacy in an urban garden. The tree can stand alone as a smaller shrub or be allowed to flourish as a full tree to heights up to 25m with a bell-shape habit. It makes a great choice for parkland or woodland planting.
The Beech is often considered to be the Queen of trees, while the Oak is King. The universal art of divining, used to find water wells, metals, gemstones and even unmarked graves, traditionally uses Y-shaped or L-shaped branches taken from the Beech tree.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
For hedging, prune Fagus in late summer to maintain a neat, dense shape. When grown as a tree, remove damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy growth. Young plants may benefit from a windbreak in exposed areas, especially during their first winter. With proper care, Fagus trees develop into magnificent specimens or hedges that retain their coppery leaves through winter, adding year-round interest to your garden.
How to Water
Water Fagus regularly during its first year to help establish a strong root system, especially during dry periods. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells will benefit growth. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions can damage the roots. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and allow the tree to absorb moisture effectively.
How to Plant
To plant Fagus, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth as the container. Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill with soil, and firm gently. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the trunk. Space trees at least 2–4 metres apart, depending on the variety and purpose, whether for hedging or as standalone trees.