When you create a beech hedge, you should choose the location carefully. You can hardly transplant the beech trees later. At most, very young hedges can be moved. Older beech trees are very likely to die after this treatment.
Can you transplant a beech hedge?
A beech hedge can only be carefully transplanted when it is young. For older hedges, this is almost impossible due to the extensive shallow root system, as the roots are severely damaged and the tree does not grow back.
Transplant only young beech hedges
Before you create a beech hedge, you should plan carefully. Look for a location that offers favorable conditions such as a sunny location and slightly moist, humus-rich soil that is well-drained.
Beech trees get very old and should be allowed to grow there for many decades.
Ingrown beech hedges can no longer be transplanted. They can only be removed with great effort.
Beech trees have a very extensive root system
Beech trees have shallow roots. The roots don't go very deep, but they extend far. It is therefore almost impossible to dig up the beech trees to transplant them. The root system would be so badly damaged that the tree would not grow back.
If you want to move a beech hedge that has not been growing in the location for very long, you must:
- Cut down beech trees
- Dig up the roots generously
- Carefully remove the tree
- dig a large new planting hole
- Insert the tree so that the roots are not bent.
What to do if the beech hedge is in the way?
Sometimes there is already a beech hedge in the garden of a newly purchased house. If you absolutely need the space, all you can do is dig up the hedge and remove it.
If you want to build paving slabs or a wall on the spot, it is enough to cut the beech trees smoothly above the ground. The roots are then allowed to remain in the ground, where they slowly rot. The stones cause the soil to be heavily compacted. This means that the rootstocks no longer sprout.
If you want to create another hedge or use the location for shrubs, trees or beds, you must remove the rootstock as completely as possible. Otherwise the new plants won't have enough space to spread and grow.
Tip
Beech hedges are ecologically valuable because they offer protection and food for birds and insects. It is therefore better to leave an older beech hedge standing and rejuvenate it if necessary. It is still very decorative even in old age.
