The root system of hedge plants is an important purchasing criterion. Before you decide on a beech hedge as a fence and privacy screen, read these instructions. You can find out here whether a beech hedge thrives as a deep or shallow root.
Is a beech hedge a deep or shallow root?
The beech hedge is a heart rooter, neither deep nor shallow rooted. Its root system develops diagonally downwards to a depth of up to 200 cm and has a fine root distribution. To promote deep growth of the main roots, it is advisable to water rarely but thoroughly.
Is the beech hedge deep or shallow rooted?
The beech hedge is neither a deep nor a shallow rooter, but atypical heartrooter This statement is confirmed by competent sources, such as Wikipedia and the Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forestry (LWF). This is how the root system of a hedge made of common beech or hornbeam develops in normal garden soil:
- Ray-like structure, heart-shaped in cross section.
- Main roots growing diagonally downwards up to 200 cm deep, lateral roots up to 450 cm long.
- From a soil depth of 20-30 cm, no separation between horizontal and vertical roots can be seen.
- Main root horizon at 60-80 cm soil depth.
- Root diameter 1-5 cm.
- Even fine root distribution.
Tip
Proper watering optimizes stability
With the right watering technique, you can stimulate deeper root growth on your beech hedge. The rule of thumb applies: water heart roots rarely and thoroughly, instead of frequently and sparingly. If you water your hedge plants a little every day on hot summer days, predominantly shallow lateral roots will form. On the other hand, if you run the water hose (€16.00 on Amazon) for 30 minutes twice a week, you will promote the deep growth of the main roots in favor of stability.
