If the beech hedge turns brown in autumn, this is a natural process. Beech trees are summer green and shed their dried leaves in autumn or spring. If the hedge gets brown leaves earlier, diseases, pests or a bad location can be the cause.

There can be various reasons when a beech hedge turns brown

Plant beech hedges in a good location

In contrast to hornbeams, beech trees are tricky when it comes to location. They only thrive if the space meets the following requirements:

  • Sunny to semi-shady location
  • not too acidic soil
  • Soil must always be slightly damp
  • Waterlogging should never occur

If the beech hedge turns brown prematurely, the soil may be too dry or too moist. In dry periods, you should water newly planted beech hedges regularly. In a generally very dry, sandy site, it is sometimes better to create a hedge of hornbeam.

Disease turns the leaves brown

Diseases cause brown leaves on the beech hedge. In addition to the powdery mildew, which covers the leaves with a white layer, the leaf spot fungus occasionally occurs.

It is noticeable through brown leaves and must be combated with a fungicide.

Brown leaves from pest infestation

Brown leaves are also caused by pests:

  • hornbeam spider mite
  • white bow tie
  • beech wool louse

A sign of a pest infestation is the curling, drying up and dropping of the leaves.

Affected plant parts must be generously removed and disposed of with household waste. Treatment is with appropriate insecticides.

Beech hedge turns brown after winter

This usually only affects a few branches whose leaves are turning brown. Snowfall is often to blame for this. The snow load was too heavy and snapped off the branches. Simply cut out these branches.

With older beech hedges, it is completely normal for the leaves to turn brown and individual twigs to die off. Such damage can be kept in check with regular pruning and occasional rejuvenation.

Beech hedge has brown leaves in winter

In this case, you have probably planted a beech species whose leaves remain on the tree over the winter and are only shed when new growth occurs.

tips

The beautiful autumn colors of red and copper beeches is one reason for their popularity as hedge plants. The leaves turn a bright orange-red, which is particularly intense in the first weeks of November.

Category:

Garden design