If you want to plant a beech hedge, there are a few things you need to consider. Only then will you be able to enjoy the ever-growing hedge for a long time. You can find out how to plant a beech hedge correctly from this little guide.
How do you plant a beech hedge correctly?
To successfully plant a beech hedge, choose a sunny to semi-shady location and humus-rich, not too acidic soil. Plant the beech trees in late autumn at a distance of 50 cm from each other, dig the soil deeply and improve it with compost. Then support and water the beech trees.
Which location is ideal for a beech hedge?
Beeches like it sunny or partially shaded. If necessary, they also thrive in shady locations.
What should the substrate be like?
The soil must be slightly humus and not too acidic. Beech trees need a lot of moisture, which is why sandy soils are only partially suitable. However, waterlogging should definitely be avoided. Loosen the soil well before planting the beech trees.
When is the best time to plant?
It is best to plant the beech hedge in late autumn. In beech hedges planted in spring, failures are quite common due to excessive dryness.
What planting distance is necessary?
50 centimeters between the beech trees are ideal. Depending on their size, you can plant between two and four beech trees per meter.
Maintain sufficient planting distance from buildings, neighboring properties and streets.
How should you plant a beech hedge correctly?
- Pull plant string
- Dig a trench (approx. 40 – 60 cm deep)
- Improve soil with compost
- Prune beech roots slightly
- Insert trees
- Install support post
- Fill up the soil and tamp it down
- Watering and mudding beech trees
Can a beech hedge be transplanted?
Once a beech hedge has grown, it can hardly be transplanted. It is not possible to remove the roots from the soil undamaged.
How are beech trees propagated for hedges?
Propagation occurs either by sowing beechnuts or by cuttings. Cuttings are cut in spring and grown in pots until they have formed roots.
If you pull the beech trees for the hedge yourself, it will take longer until you have a good privacy screen. This is the cheapest way to plant a beech hedge.
When do beech hedges bloom?
Beech trees bloom in late April to early May. The flowers are inconspicuous. A beech hedge doesn't have many flowers.
What are the fruits of beech hedges called?
Beech trees bear capsule fruits with a somewhat spiny shell. Inside there are two to four beechnuts, which are slightly poisonous raw. Beech hedges rarely bear fruit because they are cut too often.
Are beech hedges ecologically sensible?
Yes, beech hedges fulfill an important function in the garden. They offer birds and other garden creatures good shelter. Birds in particular like to breed in the hedge. For bird protection reasons, you are not allowed to cut hedges back heavily from March to June.
Tip
It is better to plant the beeches for a beech hedge in pairs. While one person inserts the tree, the other holds it firmly so that it doesn't tip over to one side. This is the only way to ensure that the beech trees grow straight.
