Cutting beech hedges: instructions from the experts

Beech hedges must be cut regularly so that they offer good privacy. Here you can find out everything you need to know about trimming beech hedges.

Especially young red beeches (Fagus sylvatica) are fast-growing. Regular pruning is therefore immensely important for the growth of a beautiful, dense beech hedge. If the growth is not kept in check, there will soon not be enough light on the lower branches and your hedge will be bare from below. The cut ensures sufficient light and wonderfully branched shoots. We will show you when and how to cut your red beech.

How much does a beech hedge grow in a year?

Beech trees can grow by 40 to 70 cm a year when they are young. The dimensions apply to both height and width. However, the plants must be in the right location and well cared for. You can find out how to tease out the maximum growth strength from your red beech hedge in our overview article

European beech.

Red beech hedge: when to cut?

Pruning shears are used twice a year to keep the growth under control and to generate a nice, bushy growth. The first cut takes place before the growth phase in February to March. The milder the winter, the sooner it is cut back. The ideal time for the second cut is between June and August at the end of the growth phase. Remember to remove diseased and injured shoots year-round. This prevents diseases from spreading and energy is not wasted unnecessarily on the injured shoots. It is best to cut your beech hedge on a mild, overcast and dry day.

Red beech hedge: How to cut correctly?

In the first two years, long protruding shoots are shortened with sharp, clean pruning shears and the tips of shorter shoots are removed. From year number three, the type of cut differs from the first to the second cut. The first cut involves pruning back more and shaping the hedge. It is cut in such a way that the hedge tapers from the base to the top and forms a flat roof. This way, all places get enough light and in winter the risk of snow breakage is minimized. Use plumbing lines to mark desired height and shape. You'll be more annoyed by a crooked hedge than by the time you put into tightening the cords. Also, don't let your hedge grow too high, because if you have to climb up to cut, you can also fall down. The second cut is only recut once. Be very careful when doing this, because beech hedges are very popular with native birds as nesting sites. Keep a sufficient distance from discovered nests or wait until the end of June to cut. Then the little birds should have fledged. After each cut it is properly watered.

Notice: If newly planted beech trees are shortened by a third in the first autumn after planting, this promotes beautiful bushy growth.

Cut back the red beech hedge radically

Older beeches in particular are very tolerant of pruning and can be pruned back radically if necessary to rejuvenate the hedge. This radical pruning occurs in February or March and is only necessary every few years. Very old branches are removed and the inside of the hedge is thinned out so that there is room for new shoots. Alternatively, the entire hedge can simply be cut back down to the old wood. Only three eyes remain so that new shoots can form.

These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco secateurs: Manual lace pruning shears recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
• Felco fruit tree and secateurs: Heavy duty fruit tree and secateurs with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical pruning shears for effortless cutting of tall trees and dense shrubs from the ground.

Pruning is not the only care measure that makes sense for beech hedges. A few doses of fertilizer are important to provide the hedge with all the important nutrients. Here you will find everything you need to know about Fertilizing beech hedges.