- Copper beeches are very fast-growing
- You have to cut copper beech hedges once or twice a year
- When is the best time to cut back?
- Do not cut in the sun or in severe frost
The copper beech is a tree that tolerates pruning very well. If you plant it individually as an eye-catcher in the garden, you don't have to cut it at all. It is different if you grow copper beeches as a hedge. Then regular pruning is essential.
In order for the copper beech to grow evenly, it should be pruned once or twice a year
Copper beeches are very fast-growing
The copper beech is a very fast-growing tree that increases in height and width by a good 50 centimeters per year. Therefore, plant a copper beech in the garden in a place where it has enough space to spread. You then only need to cut diseased shoots and weak branches.
If several copper beeches are used as a hedge, you have no choice but to use secateurs and a saw at least once a year.
You have to cut copper beech hedges once or twice a year
- Heavy pruning in spring
- slight topiary from September
- Remove diseased branches continuously
The first pruning should be done in spring before the new leaves sprout.
The second, less radical cut then takes place in September or October.
When is the best time to cut back?
The best time for a heavy pruning is from September to March. Outside of this period it is forbidden to radically trim copper beech hedges because of breeding birds.
Of course, you can also carry out a light topiary and the cutting of diseased and withered branches outside of these times.
Make sure, however, that there are no birds or other animals living in the hedge and please wait until the eggs have hatched or hedgehogs and other animals have moved to another roost.
Do not cut in the sun or in severe frost
Do not cut copper beeches in direct midday sun. This would dry up the interfaces and turn brown. Even in severe frost, pruning is not advisable.
Always use clean and sharp tools for cutting. Blunt blades and scissor blades unnecessarily crush the shoots and cause the branches to tear. Fungi can penetrate the tree through the damaged areas.
tips
If you live in a snowy area, you should not cut the copper beech straight, but always in a conical shape. The snow then slides down and the branches do not break off under the snow load.