The beech hedge (Fagus sylvatica) is a very widespread hedge in our country. Not only popular with garden owners, but also widely planted by municipalities. If left unchecked, it can grow very large, so annual pruning is desirable. We tell you when and how this should be done.
Privacy during the winter
The advantage of the beech hedge is that it has fresh green leaves throughout the growing season (or red, as it is also available in this variant) and that although its leaves change color with autumn, they remain largely on the shrub. As a result, it also provides privacy in the garden during the winter months. In the spring, it drops the discolored leaves and returns with fresh green leaves.
The beech hedge during the winter months.
When to prune the beech hedge?
The beech hedge should be trimmed twice a year. The 1st time for the longest day (June 21). This can happen from the end of May. This ensures that it stays tightly closed and compact in shape. It will continue to grow after the longest day, so it should be pruned again in late summer or early fall. Due to this pruning time in September, the pruned parts can still recover before it freezes. The hedge will then grow very little, so that it will survive the winter well. When pruning in the spring, make sure there are no nesting birds in the hedge. Otherwise, delay pruning until mid-July when the breeding season is over. The 2nd pruning will therefore have to be done a little later, namely at the beginning of October. Choose a frost-free day to avoid frost damage.
Read also: Prune conifers, when and how should it be done?
How to prune the beech hedge?
Choose a cloudy day to trim the beech hedge. So that cut surfaces and emerging leaves do not burn. Trim from bottom to top, making sure the bottom remains slightly wider than the top. By stretching a thread, you can cut straight. Also, look at the hedge several times from a distance to see if you are sitting well. The simplest thing is not to let the beech hedge grow too high. This way you can also easily access it in subsequent years without stairs. If the hedge is not too tall, you can place 1 or more leaves underneath, so that you can easily pick up the clippings afterwards.
A well maintained red beech hedge.
Hand trimmer or hedge trimmer?
If your beech hedge is not too overgrown, you can choose to trim it by hand. With a pruner or pruner. Otherwise, an electric hedge trimmer is a better alternative. The disadvantage is that part of the sheet will be damaged. But since it produces new leaves quickly, this is not an insurmountable obstacle. Moreover, it saves you a lot of time and energy. Your own energy then, that obviously requires some power. A cordless hedge trimmer provides added convenience, but otherwise keep an eye on the cord while trimming.
Trim longline hedges that are too wide
If it has never been trimmed or has been trimmed for a long time, the beech hedge may have become very wide and high in the meantime. You can then prune a lot to bring it back into proportion. Do this in the spring, so that bare branches quickly receive new leaves. By fertilizing it at the same time, you promote regrowth. For very thick branches, it is best to use loppers or a saw.
On the Garden & Balcony overview page you will find many more tips and tricks for enjoying the garden and balcony. From tips on caring for garden plants to practical advice on pruning and landscaping.
(Source: Garden Season, Tuinplant.nl, Weeronline, Gardeners World Magazine, Directplant, VT Wonen. Photos: Shutterstock)