Topic: Beech Hedge

[georgiesgirl]

Hi
Planted beech hedge earlier this year. The plants are about 3foot high and 1foot apart.They have just opened into leaf, and are looking lovely.
We need advice on the way to prune and maintain hedge, so that it becomes bushy top and bottom.
Any thoughts.
Anne

[Palustris]

First of all, with beech and hornbeam do not cut back the leader, ie the tallest upward growing branch, until the hedge has reached  about a foot above the height you want. Generally beech stops growing upwards properly when the leader is removed. Secondly to make the plants bush out lightly prune the ends of any branches which come out forwards or backwards. Thirdly any branches growing sideways may be woven into the trees along side. Have fun!

[georgiesgirl]

Thanks for the reply Palustris.Very helpful.
Can i ask you another question'
When would be the right time of the year to trim the foliage?
thanks again
Anne

[Palustris]

Sorry, should have said, the correct time for trimming Beech is anytime between July and August.  They are slow growing for the first 2 years after planting so you may not need to do too much for a while.