When planning a beech hedge, it is important to take into account not only the height but also the eventual width of the hedge. Even if beech hedges can be cut quite narrow, there must be enough space left to the neighboring property.
How wide does a beech hedge get?
The width of a beech hedge varies depending on the cut and is at least 40 to 50 centimeters. A wider hedge requires less pruning. When planning, sufficient space for neighboring property and for maintenance work should be taken into account.
The width of a beech hedge depends on the cut
How wide your beech hedge becomes depends primarily on how you cut it. It is usual to keep the hedge wider at the bottom and tapered towards the top.
- Minimum width: 40 to 50 centimeters
- Minimum height: 70 centimeters
- Maximum height: up to 400 centimeters
The minimum width of a beech hedge is 40 to 50 centimeters. If you want a wider hedge of up to a meter or even more, do not cut back the beech trees so much.
The height of a beech hedge depends primarily on your personal taste. The minimum height is around 70 centimeters; a beech hedge can easily grow up to four meters. When it comes to height, however, the municipal regulations for hedges are decisive. To be on the safe side, ask the municipality what the maximum height of a hedge can be in your area.
Don't sit too close to walls or property lines
Do not place beech hedges too close to walls or buildings. Even if the width of the hedge can be kept under control, this is not possible with the roots.
Beech trees can develop very strong roots over time, which can lift pavement slabs, destroy pipes or damage masonry. This can lead to problems especially with neighbors but also with the community, which has to repair sidewalks because of the roots.
Space for care work
A beech hedge needs to be trimmed twice a year. While cutting the top and front isn't much of a problem, caring for the back can be tricky.
Experienced gardeners therefore recommend maintaining a distance of at least 50 centimeters from the fence. You can then easily cut the back of the hedge without having to do any acrobatic contortions.
Tip
If you don't have enough space, you should plant a hornbeam hedge instead of a red beech hedge. Overall it remains narrower and does not develop as strong roots. Hornbeams are also easier to care for and cope better with sandy soils than beech trees.
