- Not all beech varieties lose their leaves in autumn
- Beeches are hardy and do not need winter protection
- A mulch layer in winter prevents soil compaction
- Prune beech hedges in winter
Beech hedges are not only very popular because they are easy to cut and because of the decorative autumn colours. The privacy screen in the garden is also retained over the winter if you choose certain varieties to plant a beech hedge.
Even in winter, the beech hedge protects you from prying eyes
Not all beech varieties lose their leaves in autumn
Beeches are deciduous trees. Many species lose their leaves in autumn, so that the beech hedge is no longer opaque.
By selecting special types, the privacy protection is retained. The already withered leaves often remain on the tree until new growth occurs in spring.
There are also copper beeches and copper beeches that don't shed their leaves until spring. They are particularly suitable for opaque hedges in the garden. They also provide some color in the gray season.
Beeches are hardy and do not need winter protection
Beeches are absolutely hardy. Even temperatures down to minus 30 degrees do not bother them - at least not if they are well established.
Light winter protection can be advisable for newly planted beech hedges. Above all, it prevents the soil from drying out and the young tree roots from being unable to draw water.
A mulch layer in winter prevents soil compaction
Even if a beech hedge is hardy, it is worth covering the ground area with a layer of mulch in autumn. Organic materials such as:
- leaves
- lawn clippings
- bark mulch
- peat
- straw
The mulch layer not only prevents the soil from drying out, it also keeps it nice and loose so that waterlogging does not form. Beech trees do not tolerate compacted and too moist soil at all.
The mulch material decomposes over time, releasing nutrients that act as a natural fertilizer for the beech hedge.
Prune beech hedges in winter
Winter is the best time to trim a beech hedge. Ideally, a day up until the beginning of March is chosen that is neither too rainy nor too cold. You should never cut a beech hedge at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.
tips
In very dry winters, you can water the beech hedge occasionally on frost-free days. Beeches do not like soil that is too dry or a location that is too wet.