Beech trees are among the most decorative deciduous trees native to our latitudes. The tree, which lives up to 300 years, is easy to care for if you consider a few things when planting.
How do you plant a copper beech correctly?
To plant a copper beech, first choose a sunny to partially shaded location with slightly humus-rich, moist, calcareous and permeable soil. Plant in autumn and ensure a planting distance of at least 5 meters. Insert the root ball straight and use a plant stick to stabilize it.
Which location is suitable for copper beech?
Beech trees like it sunny to partially shaded. The location does not need to be protected as the tree is robust and weatherproof.
What should the plant substrate be like?
- Slightly humus
- a little damp without waterlogging
- slightly calcareous
- permeable
- pH value between 5 and 7, 5
How large should the planting distance be?
As a single tree, the copper beech needs a lot of space around itself. The tree should be at least five meters away from other plants so that it can be shown to its best advantage.
When planting as a hedge, the minimum distance is 50 centimeters.
When is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant is autumn, in October or November.
What should you consider when planting?
You should always plant a larger copper beech in pairs. Dig a sufficiently large planting hole and insert the root ball straight.
While one person holds the tree upright, the second person piles the soil back up and tamps it down.
A plant stick (€9.00 on Amazon) prevents the tree from growing crooked in the first few years.
Can the copper beech tree be transplanted later?
A younger copper beech can sometimes still be moved. The older the tree, the harder it is to get the roots out of the ground. Transplanting is therefore not recommended.
When does copper beech bloom?
The copper beech blooms for a few weeks from the end of April. The fruits ripen in September and October.
How are copper beeches propagated?
Propagation occurs by sowing beechnuts or by taking cuttings. This requires a tree that grows in the wild and has not been pruned for a long time.
Can copper beech be grown as a bonsai?
Blood beeches are very popular as bonsai. They are very easy to cut and only need to be repotted regularly.
Tip
If you plant a copper beech in the garden as a decorative deciduous tree, remember that the beech roots spread widely. Maintain sufficient distance from neighboring properties, house walls and sidewalks.