My very first post, so please bear with me if I am not posting correctly.
Without any aforethought about soil requirements I planted a green beech hedge in rather wet clay type soil. Only later did I read up on it's soil requirements!
Can anyone tell me if my new hedge will prosper in these conditions? My location is Stafford.
As you have found out, Beech does not thrive on a heavy wet soil. As far as hardiness is concerned, Beech will survive almost anywhere in the British Isle. You may well have been better getting Hornbeam, which is more suited to wet soil. However, if it is possible you could dig a drainage channel along side your hedge, not too close as you want somewhere for the roots to be able to grow. If possible dig the channel on the higher side of the hedge and deeper than the roots are at present. The higher side to stop water draining into the roots and deeper to allow the water to drain away before it affects the trees.
Or, if the plants have not been in too long and it is not a huge job, remove them, add gravel (size is not important but roughness is, do not use beach type pebbles) and replant your hedge on a mound or narrow ridge, again so the roots are not sitting in permanent water.
Hi PECBetts
I have planted beech this year and last along a drainage ditch, which seems to provide good enough drainage, my soil is heavy clay and the hedging seems to be fine.
Like Palustris says, hornbeam is an excellent alternative for heavy soil, and I think the new leaves are more attractive than beech.
Loz