Tree
European beech
Fagus sylvatica
A massive, long-lived deciduous tree with smooth grey bark and a broad crown, also widely used as a clipped hedge. A free-growing specimen needs substantial space, while clipped hedges often retain brown leaves through winter.
- Size
- 20–30 m high · 10–20 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- A free-growing tree can reach about 20–30 m and spread widely, so keep it away from buildings, utilities and cramped paved spaces.
- For a hedge, plan a permanent line, annual access for clipping and enough width for a dense base.
- Choose well-drained soil that does not suffer prolonged summer drought; beech dislikes persistently dry sites.
Why choose it
- As a tree it develops a majestic broad crown, smooth grey bark and strong yellow-to-copper autumn colour.
- As a hedge it gives dense summer screening and often keeps dry brown leaves through winter.
Care
- Water young trees and new hedges during establishment and prolonged dry periods.
- Prune a free-growing tree only as needed; trim established hedges in late summer to maintain their outline.
- Protect the root zone from severe compaction and repeated excavation as the tree matures.
Good to know
- Winter leaf retention is strongest on young, regularly clipped hedge growth; mature free-growing trees shed most leaves.