Plant beech hedges correctly: Instructions in 8 steps

In order for beech hedges to develop into a noble privacy screen, not only the right care is important. Even the process of planting is crucial.

The red beeches native to us (Fagus sylvatica) or just called beeches, are ideal for planting hedges. They do not have many demands on the location, are adapted to our climate and do not lose their opaqueness even in winter. We accompany you from the purchase of the plant, through the planning and planting to the subsequent care, so that this green pearl of our homeland can also develop into a magnificent hedge in your garden can.

1. Choose the right time to plant the beech hedge

The ideal time to plant your new hedge greens is a windless and overcast day in late winter to early spring. The ground should neither be too wet nor frozen.

2. Note the planting distance in the beech hedge and calculate the number of plants required

When planting in rows, between two and four seedlings are planted per meter. With a length of 6 meters, between 12 and 24 plants are needed. Planting is often done in a staggered double row. In this way, your hedge quickly grows into permanent privacy and wind protection. When using balled goods, five to seven plants are planted per meter. Container goods need a little more space. Here four to six plants per meter are sufficient. Also make sure there is a minimum distance of 50 cm to the property line or to walls, because the roots are very strong and like to burst asphalt and lift pavement slabs.

3. Select good and healthy plants for the beech hedge

Don't be surprised if baled goods look more dead than alive when bought or delivered. However, healthy plants bud quite quickly after planting. The plants, regardless of whether they are in bales or containers, should not show any injuries and be at least 60 cm high. In the case of mail-order plants, particular attention should be paid to the packaging, as bare-root plants are particularly important Plants are sensitive to frost and drought and should be transported accordingly will. The plants are kept moist until they are planted and remain in the packaging or in their pot. The young plants are sensitive and should be kept in a sheltered and frost-free but not heated place. Bale goods should be put into the ground as soon as possible, while container goods can be stored longer.

4. Prepare planting holes for the beech hedge

Beeches need nice, loose, nutrient-rich soil. Therefore, before planting, it is necessary to prepare the soil. This happens in the previous autumn, because at planting time the soil is still very hard due to the cold winter temperatures. Proceed as follows:

• Dig up the area to be planted to three times the depth of the root ball
• Mix mature manure or compost into the soil

Before planting, all weeds are removed so that the seedlings do not have to compete with them. Then it's time to dig the planting holes. The planting hole is dug two to four times as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper than the root ball is high. Alternatively, a ditch can be dug. In the middle the earth is slightly piled up. You can also add a long-term fertilizer like ours to the planting hole Plantura organic universal fertilizer to give the beech hedge an optimal supply of nutrients right from the start.

Notice: Stretch a guideline to dig the planting holes so that your hedge is really straight.

5. Place beech hedge plants in the hole at a suitable depth

Baled goods must first be watered for several hours. The roots are placed in a pot with water. However, do not put the plants in the water overnight. This could be too long and the roots will start to get moldy. After that, injured roots are removed and the plants placed on the heap in the middle of the planting hole. The roots are very carefully placed around the cluster. This corresponds more to their natural growth, so that injuries are avoided. The surface of the root ball is flush with the surface of the earth.

6. Fill the planting hole with soil

The planting hole is filled with soil so that all the roots are covered. Make sure that the soil is not piled up in the root area. The plants do not tolerate this and can even die in the medium term. After filling, the earth is pressed down. It is best to set up a pouring rim, which is also pressed down.

7. Water the beech hedge properly after planting

The pouring rim is particularly useful when pouring. It is filled with water, which can then seep into the ground at the right place. Watering is not only important because the plants are not yet rooted and therefore have less access to water in the soil. It is mainly there to allow air bubbles to disappear from the soil and allow it to settle.

8. Maintain beech hedge properly after planting

After planting, a thick layer of mulch, ripe manure, lawn clippings or leaves is spread around the root area. A protective cover for the trunk protects the young tree from wind and pests. It is best to use a spiral plastic tree guard. This grows with the trunk. How your beech hedge after planting, you can find out here.

Everything you need to know Fertilizing beech hedges, as well as to Beech hedge pruning can be found in the appropriate special articles.