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.
Beech trees are a gorgeous addition to any landscape Their smooth gray bark, glossy green leaves that turn golden bronze in fall, and mature height reaching over 100 feet make them ideal shade trees Growing beech trees from seed is a simple and rewarding way to add these beauties to your property.
Gathering and Storing Beech Seeds
The first step is collecting ripe beechnuts in the fall once they start dropping. Look for plump, brown nuts free of holes or damage. Collect more than you need since germination rates vary.
Store nuts over winter in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This cold stratification mimics winter conditions and helps crack dormancy so seeds germinate better come spring.
Planting and Caring for Seedlings
In early spring, plant seeds individually in small pots filled with potting soil. Bury them about 1/2 inch deep and water well.
Place pots in a sunny indoor location like a bright windowsill. Keep soil moist but not saturated as seeds sprout over the next few weeks.
Once sprouted, move seedlings to a shady outdoor location after any danger of frost. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Transplanting Outdoors
By late summer, beechnut seedlings should be 6-12 inches tall with a good root system. Now they are ready to transplant outdoors into their permanent home.
Choose a site with full to part sun and well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage.
Dig holes the width of the seedling’s root ball and deep enough so roots aren’t bent. Set the plant at the same level it was growing in the pot and backfill soil around the roots.
Water deeply after transplanting and cover the surrounding soil with 2-3 inches of organic mulch. Continue regular watering while plants establish over the first year.
Ongoing Care of Beech Trees
Once established, beech trees are quite resilient with minimal care needs. Apply a balanced fertilizer each spring, keeping it away from the trunk.
Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Never top the tree – let it grow naturally into its full majestic shape.
Supplemental summer watering benefits young trees during drought. Mature trees are fairly drought tolerant.
Watch for signs of beech scale insects which excrete sticky honeydew. Control with horticultural oils. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent disease issues.
Creating a Beech Grove
For beautiful specimen trees, space beech plantings at least 30-40 feet apart. Plant closer together to create a shady beech grove over time.
Introduce underplantings of shade-loving shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons. Perennial wildflowers add splashes of color beneath the canopy.
Beech trees make stunning focal points and provide soothing shade. With a bit of patience and care, you can grow your own starting from seed.
Tips for Growing Beech Trees from Seed
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Collect fresh, undamaged beechnuts in fall once dropped.
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Store in the refrigerator over winter for cold stratification.
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Plant seeds in pots indoors in early spring.
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Move sprouted seedlings outdoors after frost risk passes.
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Transplant into the garden in late summer at about 6-12 inches tall.
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Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-draining soil.
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Water regularly the first year, fertilize annually, and prune judiciously.
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Allow ample room for mature growth up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide.
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Plant groups closer together to create a shady beech grove over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a beech tree to grow from seed?
From seed, beech trees reach their full mature height of 50-100 feet in about 40-60 years. Growth rate varies depending on soil, climate, and availability of sunlight and moisture. Proper care speeds growth.
What is the best time to plant beech tree seeds?
The ideal time is early spring indoors in pots. Allow seeds to naturally stratify in the refrigerator over winter first for best germination rates when planted.
When can you transplant a beech tree seedling?
Beech seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they are about 6-12 inches tall, usually by late summer their first year. Ensure they have an established root system first.
How far apart should you plant beech trees?
For specimen beech trees, allow at least 30-40 feet between trees. Plant 10-15 feet apart to create a dense beech grove.
Can you grow a beech tree in a pot?
Young beech trees can be grown in large pots up to about 5 gallons initially. But their massive mature size makes them impractical for permanent container growing. Transplant into the garden within a couple years.
Growing majestic beech trees from seed just takes patience and proper care. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with stunning specimen trees and shady groves to enjoy for generations.
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.
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.