Older beech hedges do not need to be fertilized at all. The trees take care of themselves through their roots. Younger hedges, on the other hand, need occasional fertilizer. How to properly fertilize your red beech hedge.

During the main growth period, the beech hedge should be fertilized once a month

How often do you need to fertilize beech hedges?

To fertilize younger beech hedges, you can either give them a suitable fertilizer once a month from February to the end of July or you can provide them with a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the year.

Use mostly organic fertilizers. Mature compost and horn shavings have also proven their worth. (32.93€) Distribute these materials under the hedge in the spring and only work them in superficially.

Make sure you never apply artificial fertilizer directly to the leaves, buds or shoots. The parts of the plant “burn” as a result, becoming dry and unsightly brown.

Do not fertilize beech hedges from August

The red beech hedge has the last strong budding in June and July. You don't need as many nutrients afterwards.

Therefore, do not fertilize after August. Additional fertilizers encourage the hedge to sprout again. However, this is unfavorable, since the shoots are no longer hardy and freeze to death at low temperatures.

Even immediately after cutting, beech hedges do not need any additional fertilizer. It is more important to water them generously afterwards so that they survive the pruning better.

Mulch and leaves provide sufficient nutrients

Even if beech hedges are completely hardy, you should cover the soil under the hedge with a layer of mulch in autumn. This measure prevents the soil from drying out, as it keeps the moisture in the soil. The materials also decompose, releasing nutrients that seep into the soil.

Suitable materials for mulch layers are:

  • Half-rotted compost
  • Autumn leaves (without fungi or pests)
  • lawn clippings
  • Garden waste (without flowers!)
  • bark mulch

Also, leave the healthy fallen leaves under the hedge. The leaves form a natural blanket. As they decay, they also release a lot of nutrients.

tips

If the beech hedge takes care, it may be that the soil does not contain the right nutrients. Before you buy universal fertilizer, have a soil sample examined in the laboratory. The laboratory gives you recommendations as to which fertilizer is suitable for the beech hedge.

Category:

Garden design