Type of Hedge
Average height of Beech Hedging after 10 years can range anything from 3 to 6 meters with an average growth of 30 to 60 centimeters per year.
Growing Conditions
Beech can be grown within a range of different soil conditions and it is fairly tolerant. Water regularly from spring to autumn to ensure that the hedge doesn’t dry out. This is essential in the first three years after planting. Regular mulching will also help retain water around the roots of the hedge on drier soil.
Effort to Grow
Beech Hedging is relatively easy to grow and requires trimming annually.
Why plant this hedge in your garden?
Beech is deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves seasonally, but when grown as hedging and trimmed annually in August, the leaves will usually be retained in a dry state throughout most of the winter. This enhances its winter appearance and gives value as a year round hedge.
What to look out for when planting and in the first 2 years
During the initial two years after planting, focus on shortening the longer shoots, just tipping back shorter ones to help encourage branching and dense growth without much loss in height. Avoid back cutting for the first two years.
What to look out for when the hedge is established (2 years or more after planting or if you inherit it)
Threats to Beech include Beech pests such as the beech woolly aphid, powdery mildews, bracket fungi and honey fungus. Therefore pruning and maintenance are essential to avoid this.
