Beech hedges can stand in the garden for many years. The average age of a beech tree is 150 years. After a few decades, the beech hedge no longer looks so full and dense. Then it's time to rejuvenate them. This is how the rejuvenation treatment of a beech hedge works.
How can I rejuvenate a beech hedge?
To rejuvenate a beech hedge, shorten the side parts and top, cut out thick branches and leave a few he althy branches. This promotes light and air supply and encourages new growth. Carry out rejuvenation pruning between October and early March.
Why a rejuvenation cut is necessary
The longer the beech hedge stands, the more it branches, not least due to cutting back. Over time, a dense tangle of branches and branches develops, preventing the lower regions from receiving sufficient light.
As a result, the beech hedge below becomes bare because no new shoots or new leaves grow there anymore.
The purpose of the rejuvenation cut is to thin out the dense branch knots so that light and air can reach the lower parts of the hedge again. You can also shorten the hedge when rejuvenating it if it has become too tall.
The right time to rejuvenate the beech hedge
You may only carry out radical pruning, which is necessary for rejuvenation, between October and the beginning of March. The best time is shortly before the new leaves emerge in spring.
From March to June, severe trimming of hedges is not permitted. The reason is birds that like to use beech hedges as breeding grounds.
How to cut back the beech hedge correctly
- Shorten side parts
- Cut back the top
- cut out thick branches
First shorten the side parts with hedge trimmers. Then cut the top to the desired height.
To rejuvenate, cut out the thickest branches directly from the hedge. At the end, only a few he althy branches should remain. The beech hedge then looks a little “plucked”.
To rejuvenate a beech hedge, you need good tools because the branches can be very thick and very hard. You don't have to be careful. European beeches tolerate radical pruning right down to the old wood.
Tip
After the rejuvenation treatment, the beech hedge needs some time to recover from the severe intervention. This can take up to a year. Since beech trees grow very quickly, the hedge is as good as new afterwards.
