The Graceful Weeping Beech Tree – A Unique Landscaping Specimen

The weeping beech tree, with its scientific name Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ is truly one of the most beautiful and unique ornamental trees you can have in your garden or landscape. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this graceful tree – from its origin and features to growing and care. Let’s get started!

Overview

The weeping beech is a cultivar of the common European beech tree, selectively bred to have cascading, pendulous branches that sweep down to the ground. It likely originated as a chance mutation or seedling discovered in England in the early 19th century. The long, drooping limbs give this tree a distinct fountain-like shape. Mature specimens can attain impressive heights up to 25 meters, with wide spreading layered branches extending outwards and down.

Key Features

• Graceful, weeping habit with branches that hang down vertically
• Attains heights of 20-25m at maturity
• Oval, dark shiny green leaves turn yellow in autumn
• Smooth, soft gray bark
• Inconspicuous flowers and beechnut fruits
• Average growth rate
• Performs best in rich, well-drained soil
• Moderate wind resistance

The cascading branches are the most prominent feature of the weeping beech. As the tree matures, the pendulous limbs become more pronounced, often sweeping down to just above ground level. This creates a captivating multi-layered profile as the branches seem to flow out and weep down in tiers.

The leaves are oval-shaped and have attractive glossy green coloration, turning golden yellow in fall before dropping. On younger trees, the branches may not hang as low, giving a more upright appearance. But let the tree mature for that classic weeping look.

Ornamental Value

With its graceful flowing habit, the weeping beech makes a majestic focal point in the landscape. The uniqueness of its pendulous branching is eye-catching and adds strong ornamental value. It can be used as a stand-alone specimen tree on a lawn, near a pond or other water feature, or integrated into mixed borders. The layered, tear-drop profile provides nice vertical interest contrasting with more rounded forms.

The weeping beech also works well in combination with evergreens like pines or spruces The lush green summer foliage transitions to brilliant yellow in autumn for seasonal interest Give the tree sufficient space to spread out and allow the ground-sweeping branches room to extend. The smooth silver-gray bark also adds ornamental value during winter months after the leaves have fallen.

Growing Conditions

• Hardiness zones – Best suited for zones 5-7
• Soil – Thrives in fertile, well-draining soil. Avoid wet or compacted soil.
• Sun exposure – Grows well in full sun to partial shade
• Watering – Requires sufficient watering when young, can tolerate drier conditions when mature
• Pruning – Selective pruning in early years helps promote pendulous branching

The weeping beech performs best in soils with good fertility and drainage It does not tolerate compacted, heavy clay soils or areas that are frequently wet Like most beeches, it prefers full sun exposure but can adapt to light shade conditions. Avoid exposed windy sites that can damage the long hanging branches. Selective pruning while the tree is young helps promote the weeping habit by removing upward vertical limbs.

Size and Growth

• Height – Typically 20-25m (65-80 feet) at mature size
• Canopy Spread – Extensive at maturity, up to 12m (40 feet)
• Growth Rate – Average
• Form – Starts more upright when young, develops weeping habit with age

Given adequate growing space, the weeping beech can make a substantial tree in the landscape. It may have a more upright form in its juvenile years but acquires the pendulous branching as it matures over time. Some periodic pruning helps maintain the weeping shape. The extensive canopy spread from the downward sweeping branches needs consideration when selecting a site. Allow enough room for the tree to grow unencumbered to its mature height and breadth.

Care and Maintenance

-Water regularly when young, sparingly when established
-Prune selectively to remove upward-growing limbs
-Provide good air circulation
-Avoid excess fertilization
-Protect from windy exposures when possible
-No major pests, but can be susceptible to beech scale

Weeping beeches are relatively easy to care for once established. While the tree is young, ensure adequate watering during dry periods. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant. Selective pruning in early years helps promote the characteristic pendulous branching. Avoid heavy pruning that removes the graceful drooping limbs. Monitor for signs of beech scale insect which can sometimes infest the bark. Other care needs are minimal for this beautiful tree.

Design Uses

Thanks to its striking form, the weeping beech serves many design functions in the landscape:

• Specimen focal point – The pronounced weeping habit makes this a perfect standalone specimen tree to build a landscape around. Allow open space for the tree to showcase its draping branches.

• Shade tree – While not extremely fast growing, the broad spreading canopy provides nice filtered shade.

• Vertical accent – The long pendulous branching contrasts nicely with more rounded forms, providing unique vertical interest.

• Combination plantings – Looks great combined with evergreens like pines and spruces for textural contrast. Also effective paired with more upright ornamental trees.

• Border tree – Use as a medium to large border tree to add height at the edges of a landscape. Allow space for branching to extend.

• Parks and public areas – An excellent architectural tree for parks and other public spaces. Provides elegant form and seasonal interest.

Sourcing Your Tree

Weeping beeches are available from quality nurseries and garden centers that carry specialty ornamental trees. They are generally sold when young as:

• Container-grown saplings (younger trees grown in pots)
• Bare-root saplings (no soil around roots)
• Ball and burlap trees (roots balled and wrapped in burlap)

Larger mature weeping beeches are also sometimes available but will come at a higher cost. Always inspect any tree before purchasing for good branching structure and overall vigor.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a unique specimen tree that makes a dramatic statement in the landscape, the weeping beech is a perfect choice. The gracefully drooping branches create a picturesque profile you simply can’t achieve with other trees. With care and patience to allow it to mature, the weeping beech will reward you with its elegant tiered form and gorgeous golden fall color for years to come. It’s a standout option sure to enhance any landscape it’s planted in.