Beech trees have very characteristic leaves, by which you can identify a beech tree very well. Their beautiful autumn colors are one of the reasons why beech trees are so popular in gardens and parks.

The leaves of the beech are easy to recognize

You can recognize beech leaves by these signs

  • Leaf shape: ovate, oval
  • Length: 5 - 11 cm
  • Width: 3 - 8 cm
  • Colour: European beech: green, copper beech: red, red-green
  • Edge: slightly serrated
  • Appearance: wavy, clearly visible veins
  • Autumn colour: yellow-orange, red-orange
  • Arrangement: alternate

Although the common beech is also called red beech, the leaves are green. The name copper beech refers to the wood, which has a slightly reddish tinge.

Leaves hang long on the beech

A distinctive feature of beech is the fact that the leaves do not fall off in autumn. Although it dries up, it often remains on the tree until the new leaves sprout. That is why beech trees are well suited as hedge plants, because they also offer good privacy protection in winter.

Detect diseases on the leaves

If the leaves show spots, curl up or dry out prematurely, this is a sign that the beech is missing something. If the leaves have dried up, you should check whether the beech has enough moisture or whether it is even waterlogged. Both lead to the leaves no longer being properly cared for.

Fungal diseases are often responsible for changing the leaves. But pests are also a danger for the foliage of the beech.

Difference to the leaves of the hornbeam

The leaves of a hornbeam are slightly smaller than beech leaves. They are heavily sawn at the edge.

If you are not sure which leaves it is, touch the foliage. If it feels very soft and young, it is beech leaves. Hornbeam leaves are harder and appear slightly older when crushed.

tips

Beech leaves are a very good fertilizer. If you are caring for a beech or a beech hedge in the garden, simply leave the healthy foliage lying around. It breaks down and releases valuable nutrients.

Category:

Trees