Beeches need nutrient-rich soil. In order for the beech hedge to grow well, it must be fertilized regularly, at least in the first few years. With what you can fertilize the beech hedge and what you have to consider.

Falling leaves are good fertilizer for the beech hedge

Good soil preparation saves fertilizing

When planting a beech hedge, carefully prepare the soil. Mix in plenty of mature compost and/or horn shavings (€32.93) so that the young beeches are well cared for.

Additional fertilizers are not required in the first few months. The trees first have to form roots, through which they can obtain nutrients.

From the second year at the latest, you should supply the beech hedge with additional fertilizer.

Suitable fertilizers for beech hedges

  • compost
  • horn shavings
  • Lawn clippings (without flowers!)
  • leaves
  • Fertilizer for beech hedges
  • long-term fertilizer

Compost is the best fertilizer you can give your beech hedge. The organic material releases the nutrients slowly, so that over-fertilization is avoided. The compost is just scattered and raked in very lightly.

If you want to use an organic-mineral beech fertilizer, you should find out about the soil quality beforehand. Take a soil sample and have it tested in the lab. It's not very expensive and will save you a lot of trouble later.

Beech hedges quickly run the risk of over-fertilization. It is better to use less fertilizer than indicated. Artificial fertilizers must never get on the leaves, as this will burn them.

In what period is fertilized?

Only fertilize beech hedges during the growth phase. It starts in March and lasts until June. During this time you should either fertilize the hedge regularly or give a long-term fertilizer for beech hedges in March.

After the growth phase, the beech hedge may no longer be fertilized. If fertilizer is applied too late, the beeches will sprout again. However, the shoots are not mature until winter, so they freeze and damage the plant as a whole.

Just leave the leaves lying around

A very simple way to fertilize the beech hedge will also save you a lot of work. Leave fallen leaves in autumn.

During the winter it forms a good protection against frost and prevents the soil from drying out. It later decomposes, releasing nutrients that automatically fertilize the beech hedge.

However, you should only leave leaves that are really healthy. Leaves affected by fungal diseases or pests must be carefully removed. Otherwise, fungi and lice will spread again next year.

Older beech hedges do not need fertilizer

If the beech hedge grows for several years, fertilizing will become superfluous. Only when the soil is very sandy does the hedge occasionally need fertilizer.

tips

Beeches prefer a soil that is not too acidic. You can improve acidic soils by adding lime. Follow the directions on the package carefully to avoid damage to the bushes.

Category:

Garden design