- Solitary red beeches do not need pruning
- When can you cut a red beech?
- Pruning young beech trees after planting
- Water beech trees well after cutting
- Red beeches are easy to grow as bonsai
Beech trees that grow as a single tree in the garden or in the park do not need pruning. They look very decorative, especially because of the uncut treetop. However, if there is not enough space, you can of course cut the beech back.
A solitary red beech does not need pruning
Solitary red beeches do not need pruning
If you have enough space in the garden, simply let the beech grow. It takes up to 40 years for the tree to fully grow.
However, a copper beech can grow quite large, so pruning is essential in small gardens.
If you want to shorten an older copper beech, ask the municipality beforehand whether this is allowed. Above a certain height, the trees fall under nature conservation regulations and may not simply be cut down.
When can you cut a red beech?
- First cut in spring
- second cut at the end of July
- no longer cut from August
It is best to cut the red beech in early spring, preferably in February. From March the red beech will sprout again and should no longer be pruned. You would lose too much plant sap as a result.
A slight pruning is still possible at the end of July. However, you should not cut the red beech later in the year.
Pruning young beech trees after planting
In the case of young beech trees, pruning after planting in autumn is indicated. The crown is shortened by a third, one above each eye. At least three buds should remain on the shoot.
The aim of this pruning is to stimulate the red beech to branch better and to form new shoots. This gives it a bushier crown.
Water beech trees well after cutting
In order for the beech to recover quickly from cutting, it needs a lot of water. Then water the tree abundantly, but avoid waterlogging.
Red beeches are easy to grow as bonsai
Beech trees tolerate pruning very well and are therefore very popular in bonsai cultivation. The shape of the bonsai is only achieved by cutting and less by wiring.
tips
The trimmings of a copper beech can be chopped up very easily. The chopped twigs are ideal for covering the ground under the beech. Small chopped copper beech is also an ideal mulch cover for other plants.