Beech hedges must be cut twice a year so that they form a dense privacy screen. Pruning also serves to keep the hedge in shape and rejuvenate. Please note, however, that you should not cut back a beech hedge heavily all year round.
When and how should you cut back a beech hedge?
A beech hedge should be pruned heavily at the end of February on a frost-free, dry day. Trim the hedge down to the old wood using sharp, clean tools, but avoid trimming from March to September to protect breeding birds.
Beech hedges are cut twice a year
So that the beech hedge branches well, it is cut twice a year. When cutting back in winter or spring, you can also radically shorten the hedge. The second cut in summer is used to bring the beech hedge back into shape.
- First cut in spring
- second cut in summer
- Constantly remove diseased branches
- Cut cuttings in late summer
Beech trees tolerate pruning very well
Beeches tolerate heavy pruning well if it is done at the right time. You can also cut right into the old wood without damaging the tree.
Cut out older branches, if possible directly under a thick branch.
Spring is also the best time of year to shorten a beech hedge if it has become too tall.
The right time for a strong pruning
Care out heavy pruning before the beech trees sprout again. A frost-free, dry day at the end of February is very favorable. Heavy pruning of beech hedges is not permitted from March to September, as many birds breed in them during this time.
You can do a light topiary in the summer. It is usually carried out after June 24th, when the beech hedge sprouts again.
Cut only with sharp tools
Older beech hedges develop very thick branches over time that cannot be cut with secateurs, but can only be shortened with a saw (€31.00 on Amazon).
Always use clean and very sharp tools. On the one hand, this is for your own protection, but on the other hand, if the blades or saw blades are unsharp, there is a risk that the branches will tear. Fungi find it easy to nest in these places.
Tip
Before you cut a beech hedge, please check whether there are still inhabited bird nests in it. In this case, you should delay cutting or cut generously around the area so that the birds are not disturbed while breeding.