Beech trees are also popular as hedge trees because they grow very quickly. In order to keep growth under control, beech hedges must be trimmed at least once or twice a year. When should you prune your beech hedge?

From August the beech hedge should no longer be cut

Red beech hedges sprout twice a year

When cutting back the beech hedge, it is important to know when and how often beech trees will sprout.

The first shoot takes place from March, the second shoot begins in May and ends at the end of June.

So that the beech hedge does not suffer too much from the pruning, it should be cut in early spring and at the end of July.

First pruning in spring

The best time for the first pruning is February. At this time you can also radically shorten, thin out and rejuvenate the hedge.

Second pruning in summer

The second pruning takes place from St. John's Day, July 24th. With this cut, you bring the red beech hedge back into shape, so only trim it slightly.

Check beforehand whether there are still birds nesting in the hedge. If necessary, postpone cutting for a while or cut very generously around the nest.

You should not cut the beech hedge later than August. They thus stimulate renewed sprouting. However, the branches no longer mature and freeze to death in winter.

When is the best day to cut?

It is best to cut a beech hedge when the weather conditions are favourable:

  • Rainless day
  • Temperatures above five degrees Celsius
  • not in full sun

After cutting, you should water the hedge extensively.

tips

The growth of a red beech hedge is considerable. It increases in height and width by between 40 and 50 centimeters a year.

Category:

Garden design