beech hedge problems

Frost damage The new tender Spring growths of Beech hedges can be severely damaged by late Spring frosts that occur after the leaves have emerged. As Beech is quite late to come into leaf this may not be a common occurrence and a frost of this nature is likely to damage other susceptible trees and shrubs as well.

When should a beech hedge be cut back?

The best time for trimming Beech hedges is in late summer, ideally in August. By trimming at this time of year the hedge will respond by retaining its leaves through the Winter giving the effective year-round screen that is often sought from this species.

How do you thicken a beech hedge?

If plants are sparse, however, help thicken them up by shortening the leading shoot and longer shoots by up to one third. Do this in winter or straight after planting. Repeat in the second year if the plants still look a bit leggy. From the third year onwards, trim the sides of the hedge in the second week of August.

How long do beech hedges live?

A Beech hedge can last hundreds of years so it is important that you prepare the site thoroughly before planting. The single most important thing is that there is no competition for food or water from other flora (weeds, including grass). Young beech saplings of 40-60 or 60-80 cms tall can be slit planted (see below).

How often should you water a beech hedge?

If you plant beech hedging, consider intermixing some red and green leafed plants. Copper beech also injects colour into a hedge. Intersperse some randomly rather than planting to a pattern –just in case you have some failures. In dry weather it is important to water young hedges at least once a week.

When should you not cut hedges?

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

Is Beech Hedge good for wildlife?

Beech hedge plants can tolerate both sunny and partially shades sites, making it ideal for smaller gardens that may not get much sun exposure. ... Fagus sylvatica hedging offers huge wildlife value with the dense canopy of foliage making a fantastic shelter for nesting birds and small mammals such as hedgehogs.

How do you lower the height of a beech hedge?

Reduce its height by up to half if the hedge is too tall. Take it down a bit more than you need to so there is fresh growth on top for you to trim later. Although you should not do so at the same time (i.e. the same winter), you can also reduce its width by up to half.

Why is my new beech hedge dying?

Frost damage. The new tender Spring growths of Beech hedges can be severely damaged by late Spring frosts that occur after the leaves have emerged. As Beech is quite late to come into leaf this may not be a common occurrence and a frost of this nature is likely to damage other susceptible trees and shrubs as well.

What is the best fertilizer for hedges?

We recommend a 6-7 month slow release fertilizer for most climates. Apex makes a 16-5-9 slow release 6-7 month release, which works great for our hedge varieties. In the Pacific Northwest, you can use a longer-release fertilizer of 8-9 months. For longer release, Osmocote Blend 18-5-12 is a great choice.

Do beech trees have deep roots?

Their roots are shallow, so that can make them more vulnerable to the elements. In their place, other species, often fast-growing trees like sycamore and ash have taken over beech woods, as a lack of management has prevented a restocking of beech. Beech trees may have shallow roots but they have some coping strategies.

Can I cut beech hedge in April?

Beech hedges are usually pruned in August. They grow rapidly in the early part of the year, but need to grow a little after cutting to make sure there are no bare patches through the winter. ... If necessary, prune it hard in April to reduce the size of the hedge.

What is the best time of year to plant a beech hedge?

We are often asked this question – from a horticultural point of view the very best time to plant almost all Beech hedge plants (especially bare roots and rootballs) is in late Autumn or early Winter.

How do you revive a dying hedge?

In general, most hedges can occasionally be cut back very hard, fed and watered, and will come back with fresh new growth. When this is required ensure you cut the hedge back to at least 20cm below your final desired hedge height, and at the same time remove any dead wood from within the hedge.

What can you plant under a beech hedge?

Answers

Jimmytheone. Lesser celandine, Wood anemone, Bluebells, species geraniums and Vincas. ...
You could also try early flowering bulbs... 4 May, 2015.
If its a mature hedge in a narrow border not much will grow happily. Try grape hyacinth, as long as they can't spread anywhere else.

Can you over water hedges?

Removing weeds as they appear near to the trees, shrubs and hedges is vital because weeds use up valuable soil moisture reserves. It is important to remember that too much water will do more harm than good, as the roots of many plants will not tolerate waterlogged ground and air in the soil is as important as water.

Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?

If you own the tree or hedge

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don't like the way it looks, it's up to you whether you do the work.

Can my Neighbour cut my hedge down without permission?

By law you are entitled to cut back the roots and growth of your neighbour's hedges where they cross into your property, however you are not allowed to cut hedges on their property without permission. Similarly, your neighbour can trim your hedge on their property if it is becoming an issue.

How far back can you trim hedges?

Deciduous, formal hedges (those pruned to a definite size and shape), such as privets, that become open and leggy also can be rejuvenated by pruning them back to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground in late winter/early spring.

Is beech hedging fast growing?

Although beech plants are deciduous, its striking winter leaves stay on the hedge until they are ready to make way for new growth in spring, making beech hedging a wonderful alternative to evergreen hedging that provides year-round interest. ... Beech hedging is a relatively fast grower, achieving around 30-60cm per annum.

Are yew hedges good for wildlife?

Our native evergreen Yew, the king of hedges and again, one of the best hedges for wildlife, is ideal for more formal, well clipped hedging. Yew is long lasting and a great source of food and shelter for birds with red berries in autumn /winter and secure nesting.

Which hedges are best for wildlife?

Native shrubs and trees like hawthorn, field maple, blackthorn, beech, hornbeam and holly make an ideal mixture of hedging plants. Grow rambling plants, such as wild rose, bramble and honeysuckle, through your hedge to provide even more shelter and food for wildlife.