Beech

Beech typically has smooth grey bark and medium-sized, pleated leaves. These normally spreading trees are up to 25m (80ft) tall, but more compact forms can have narrow upright or teardrop-shaped crowns and some have cut-leaved, purple (copper) or bright yellow (golden) leaves. A few have a weeping habit. Beech hedging looks distinctive from many other deciduous hedges in winter because it keeps the brown leaves from the previous season. However, its appearance is similar to hornbeam.

Beech will grow in most soils that drain easily, in sun or light shade. Purple forms need full sun. Trees with yellow young foliage are best in partial shade as this reduces sun scorch on the leaves. Tolerates clipping when done from a young age.

They will not tolerate excessively wet or dry soils and young leaves can be damaged by late frosts (choose hornbeam instead for sites prone to these problems). Leaf colour will not be good in deep shade. Mature trees resent hard pruning.

Beech nuts, sometimes referred to as ‘mast’, are produced in autumn and can attract squirrels. Nuts are not normally produced on hedges that are clipped in summer.