Common beeches that grow as individual trees in the garden or park do not need pruning. They look very decorative, especially because of the untrimmed treetop. However, if there is not enough space, you can of course cut the beech back.
When and how do I cut a European beech?
When and how should you cut a European beech? Ideally, beech trees should be cut in spring (February) and once at the end of July. On young trees, the crown is shortened by a third after planting in autumn to encourage better branching. However, copper beeches that stand alone do not require pruning.
Single beeches do not need pruning
If you have enough space in the garden, just let the common beech grow. It takes up to 40 years for the tree to fully grow.
However, a common beech can grow quite large, so pruning is essential in small gardens.
If you would like to shorten an older beech tree, check with the municipality beforehand whether this is allowed. Once they reach a certain height, the trees fall under nature conservation regulations and cannot simply be cut down.
When can you cut a copper beech?
- First cut in spring
- second cut at the end of July
- no more cutting from August
It is best to prune the common beech in early spring, preferably in February. From March onwards, the red beech will sprout again and should then no longer be cut. This would cause her to lose too much plant sap.
A slight pruning is still possible at the end of July. However, later in the year you should no longer cut the copper beech.
Pruning young beeches after planting
For young beeches, pruning is recommended after planting in autumn. The crown is shortened by a third, above each eye. At least three buds should remain on the shoot.
The aim of this pruning is to encourage the common beech to branch better and form new shoots. This gives it a bushier crown.
Water common beeches well after cutting
In order for the common beech to recover quickly from cutting, it needs a lot of water. Then water the tree generously, but avoid waterlogging.
Common beeches can be grown well as bonsai
Common beeches are very tolerant of pruning and are therefore very popular in bonsai cultivation. If possible, the shape of the bonsai is achieved only by cutting and less by wiring.
Tip
The cuttings from a common beech tree can be chopped up very well. The chopped branches are ideal for covering the ground under the beech tree. Chopped copper beech is also an ideal mulch for other plants.
