Pleached Beech

Common Beech, European Beech, Green Beech – Fagus sylvatica (Fagaceae)

After the Common Hornbeam, the Common Beech or Fagus sylvatica is one of the most popular deciduous tree species used for the training of pleached trees. It is bigger than the Hornbeam in every respect. It has a less intricate habit, which naturally lends itself to large, less complicated designs such as Pleached Beech trees and majestic pieces of large topiary, some measuring in excess of 5m. In their natural environment the Common Beech are considered a very large tree. They are capable of living for 300 years, attaining a height in excess of 50m and a trunk diameter of up to 3m. Typical lifespans are however 150-200 years old with a height of 30m and trunk diameter of 1.5m

To appreciate their full form as specimen trees they need a lot of space to develop which is why the most impressive specimens are commonly found in large gardens, parkland settings and wide open spaces where they have been allowed to develop untouched and unhindered for generations. In a woodland setting Fagus sylvatica develop tall clean stems with branches only starting high up on the clear stem. In more open settings the trees develop much lower canopies with deer and cattle quite capable of reaching the lower branches.

A Native to the United Kingdom?

Although widely regarded as native to Southern England there is evidence to suggest that Fagus sylvatica did not arrive in England until roughly 4000BC. It is widely spread throughout Europe as far north as Norway and Sweden to Northern Sicily, Western France and Northern Portugal, Central Spain to Northwest Turkey where it meets with the Oriental Beech or Fagus orientalis.

Common Beech have round, dark, dense canopies, with oval to ovate dark green leaves almost waxy in appearance, which arrive relatively late in April or early May. Small catkins develop in May with nuts developing as the season progresses. Historically the nuts were consumed by humans but are considered slightly toxic so best avoided.

Growing Conditions

Pleached Beech trees are winter hardy and frost resistant. It prefers rainfall to be distributed throughout the year so ideal for the British climate. While tolerant of most soil types, clay can be a problem as it prefers well drained, humus rich soil. It doesn’t like flooding or wet soil for extended periods (If you have wet ground and are looking for a close substitute for Beech then Hornbeam may be an option as it tolerates wet conditions far better, another potential solution is to go to the expense of making sure standing water drains away by installing land drains for example). The root system of Beech is shallow and even superficial with large roots developing in all directions and as a consequence it doesn’t tolerate any form of hard landscaping or paving – the reason why you only tend to see large specimens in open landscapes. They have a moderate to good resistance to wind and are suitable for planting in most locations except the most exposed sites.

A Dense Canopy

Walking through a developed Beech forest with summer foliage, you quickly appreciate how little light filters down to the forest floor, it’s a very dark place. As a consequence, Beech tolerate shade to some extent so if you have a shady site this could be the tree for you. While the Beech is considered a large tree, it should not necessarily be discounted for this reason if space is limited. Beech respond well to having their crowns managed so will in fact fit relatively tight spaces if necessary. The trees are typically used in applications ranging from solitaires pieces, avenues, large gardens commercial sites and even windbreaks.

Types of Beech tree supplied by Hedgeworx

Beech or Fagus sylvatica are popular as hedge plants, specimen trees, clean stem and feathered trees, multi-stem trees, topiary shapes including columns/cylinders/beehives/domes/ball on stem/cube on stem/layer cake/cubes and other topiary shapes. Arches and archway, High and low Pleached Beech trees, block on stem or box head trees. Available as root-ball plants in the winter months, potted stock available while stocks last and cocoa root-ball can be arranged for delivery throughout summer period by prior arrangement.