Beech Green (Fagus Sylvatica)

Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica) – Plant Description, Planting & Care Guide

Common Name: Green Beech in 3L pot -100cm tall
Botanical Name: Fagus sylvatica
Type: Deciduous hedge or tree
Ideal for: Formal hedging, privacy screens, native planting, woodland gardens
Height (when mature): 4–30m (depending on form and pruning)

Plant Description:

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as Green Beech, is a native deciduous plant valued for its dense foliage, elegant shape, and excellent performance as a year-round hedge or feature tree. In spring and summer, it features fresh green, wavy-edged leaves, which turn golden-bronze in autumn and often remain on the branches through winter when grown as a hedge—providing seasonal privacy even after leaf fall.

As a hedge, Green Beech offers a neat, formal appearance, ideal for gardens of all styles, while as a tree, it becomes a majestic focal point in larger landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

• Best Time to Plant: Autumn to early spring (November–March), especially for bareroot plants

• Spacing (for hedges):

  • Single row: 30–45 cm apart

  • Double staggered row: 40–60 cm apart

• Soil:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soils

  • Grows well in chalk, loam, clay, or sand

• Position:

  • Full sun to partial shade

  • Avoid very wet or poorly drained areas

Care Instructions:

Watering:

• Water regularly in the first 12–18 months

• Once established, it’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance:

• Trim once annually in late summer (August–September) to maintain shape

• For trees, prune only to remove dead or crossing branches in winter

Feeding & Mulching:

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring for healthy growth

• Mulch with compost or bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Hardiness:

• Fully hardy throughout the IE

✅ Why Choose Green Beech for Your Garden?

• Retains brown leaves in winter when used as a hedge – excellent for year-round privacy

• Native UK species – supports birds, insects, and biodiversity

• Fast-growing, formal appearance with minimal maintenance

• Suitable for modern and traditional gardens

• Can be shaped or left to grow naturally for a tree-like form