Allowed to grow to its full potential, beech forms a large majestic tree for spacious gardens. It also makes a fine hedge with bright green leaves that turn burnt orange in autumn. Even though it loses its leaves in the fall, it usually keeps the dead ones when grown as a hedge, so it still provides privacy and shelter in the winter.
Growing stunning beech trees from seed can be a rewarding and fun project. With a little time and effort, you can grow a beautiful beech tree that will provide shade, beauty, and habitat for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through each step of the process, from collecting and storing seeds to transplanting seedlings. Let’s grow some beech trees!
The beech tree, known scientifically as Fagus sylvatica is a large deciduous tree native to Europe. Mature beech trees can grow over 100 feet tall and develop massive, wide-spreading crowns. Their smooth, silvery-gray bark and lush green summer foliage make them highly ornamental. Beech trees are also valued for their strong, durable wood.
Beech trees produce small, triangular nuts called beech mast. These nuts ripen and fall from the tree in autumn. Each nut contains two small seeds which can be collected and planted. Beech trees begin producing seeds when they are around 40 years old. Healthy trees produce large crops of seeds every 5 to 8 years.
When to Collect Beech Seeds
The ideal time to collect beech tree seeds is in the fall when they naturally drop from the tree. Mature seeds will have turned from green to light brown. Collect the fallen seeds promptly before they are eaten by wildlife or rot. Avoid collecting empty or insect-damaged seeds.
For best results, gather seeds from healthy beech trees growing in your area. This helps ensure the seeds are adapted to local conditions You can find beech trees growing in parks, woodlands, and along streets. Always get permission before collecting seeds on private property
Wear gloves when gathering seeds, as the outer husks can irritate skin. Place collected seeds in breathable bags or containers. Avoid using plastic bags. The seeds need air circulation and humidity control to prevent mold growth.
Storing Beech Tree Seeds for Planting
Beech seeds require cold stratification before they will germinate. This mimics winter conditions and helps break down germination inhibitors naturally present in the seeds.
To stratify seeds, place them in moist potting mix or peat moss inside a sealed plastic bag or container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 months. Check periodically and add moisture if needed to keep the mixture damp but not soggy.
Stratified beech seeds are ready to plant when the first white root tips emerge. This usually occurs after 12-16 weeks of cold treatment. Remove sprouted seeds from refrigeration and plant right away.
Planting Stratified Beech Seeds
Beech seeds lose viability quickly once stratification is complete. For best results, plant them as soon as possible in late winter or early spring.
Choose a planting spot with partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost or leaf mold to improve fertility and moisture retention. Space seeds 6-12 inches apart and plant 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Water gently after planting and cover seeds with a light mulch to conserve moisture.
You can also start seeds in containers indoors and transplant seedlings later. Use small pots filled with seed starting mix. Gently tamp seeds into the soil surface and water. Place containers in bright, indirect light and keep evenly moist. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them into the garden after the last spring frost date.
Caring for Young Beech Trees
Germination occurs in 4-8 weeks under optimal conditions. Keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist but not waterlogged. Young beech trees grow slowly the first couple years. They benefit from partial shade and protection from harsh winds. Use stakes, tree shelters, or fencing to guard against damage from deer, livestock, or lawn equipment.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around seedlings to retain soil moisture and reduce competition from weeds and grass. Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded leaves work well. Avoid piling mulch against the tree trunks.
Fertilize young beech trees in early spring with a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer following label directions. This encourages good root growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive top growth.
Transplanting Beech Tree Seedlings
As the seedlings grow, they will likely need transplanting to give their roots more room. Carefully dig up trees in early spring while still dormant. Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Replant seedlings at the same depth in improved soil and water well. Stake tall trees for support if needed.
Space transplants 2-3 feet apart if growing them as a hedge or screen. For specimen trees, allow at least 10 feet between plants. Keep transplants well-watered until they become established. Apply mulch and fertilizer as needed the first few seasons.
Long-Term Care of Beech Trees
Once established, beech trees require minimal care. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 years in early spring. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning which can encourage disease.
Mulch around the tree root zone to maintain even soil moisture and temperature. Water during extended dry periods if rainfall is insufficient. Mature beech trees are moderately drought tolerant once established.
Watch for signs of beech bark disease, a fungal condition that can affect trees. Remove and destroy affected branches promptly. Keep the area around trees free of leaf litter to encourage air circulation.
With proper planting and care, your beech tree seedlings will grow into magnificent landscape specimens over time. Growing trees from seeds takes patience but it’s a great way to add beautiful, mature trees to your property for free. Enjoy watching your beech trees flourish for generations to come!
All you need to know Before you get started
This will help you choose the right beech for your needs, whether you want to grow it as a tree or a hedge.
With the exception of the upright or weeping forms, select any beech (Fagus sylvatica) for an easy-to-maintain hedge. Plant young plants and clip annually to form a neat hedge around 90cm-2. 4m (3-8ft) tall, or taller if an object or view needs screening. Beech leaves die each autumn but, unlike most other.
Deciduous refers to plants (mainly trees and shrubs) that lose their leaves seasonally, usually during autumn. This is a natural process that happens when the days get shorter and the temperature drops. It helps plants save energy during the winter.
If you prefer a green hedge year-round, choose an evergreen such as yew or laurel instead. Also, if you like the look of beech but live in an area with heavy or wet soil or frost, plant the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), which is more hardy and will keep some of its dead leaves through the winter.
Some common beech trees can get as tall as 25 meters (80 feet) and as wide as 15 meters (50 feet). Make sure there is room for them to grow. Often grown in a woodland, beech is also an impressive tree in a very large garden or avenue. Plant a distinctive form if you want to make a statement. This might be the cut-leaved Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla ‘Aspleniifolia’, the narrowly upright purple-leaved Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ or the gracefully weeping Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’.
Beech trees normally have mid-green leaves, but you can also find beech trees with purple leaves, like Fagus sylvatica Atropurupurea Group, and beech trees with golden leaves, like Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Gold. Copper- or purple-leaved types often turn red in the fall, while standard green-leaved beech trees turn yellow or orange-brown.
Go to a hedging specialist to source reasonably-priced beech hedging plants. Most suppliers will offer bare-rooted plants by mail order in winter.
For specimen container-grown beech trees, tree and shrub nurseries stock the best range. Track one down with our Find a Plant tool. Planting.
When to plant beech
- Plant bare-rooted hedging plants when it’s mild outside and the trees are dormant, which is usually any time from October to February. Avoid planting them when the soil is too wet.
- You can plant specimen beech trees grown in pots at any time of the year, but it will be easier to keep them watered if you plant them in the winter or spring.
How To Grow Copper Beech From Seed/Nut
How to plant a beech tree?
Once you have collected your beech tree seeds, you need to prepare them for planting. Here are a few things you can do: Scarify the seeds. Scarification is the process of breaking the hard outer shell of the seed. This helps to improve germination rates. You can scarify the seeds by rubbing them with sandpaper or by nicking them with a knife.
How do you germinate a beech tree?
Soak the seeds. Soaking the seeds in water helps to soften the outer shell and encourages germination. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting them. Stratify the seeds. Stratification is the process of simulating the winter conditions that beech tree seeds need to germinate.
How do you grow a beech tree in winter?
Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting them. Stratify the seeds. Stratification is the process of simulating the winter conditions that beech tree seeds need to germinate. You can stratify the seeds by placing them in a moistened potting mix and storing them in a refrigerator for 3-4 months.
How do you grow Beeches?
The right time to sow beeches is early spring. To sow beech seeds, prepare small pots or find a suitable spot in the garden. Put beech seeds in the loose soil. Cover them with a layer of soil as thick as the beechnuts themselves. It can take several weeks for the young beeches to germinate. At first only the cotyledons appear.