Beeches are among the largest deciduous trees in our region. In a sheltered location, for example in a forest, they grow taller than in free-standing locations. Due to their size, beech trees are only suitable as a beech hedge or as a single tree in very large gardens and parks.

Beeches are over 40 meters high

How big does a beech grow?

  • Height: 40 meters, occasionally 45 meters
  • Treetop: 600 square meters
  • Trunk: up to 2 meters in diameter
  • Growth per year: 40 to 50 centimeters

The beech develops a very even tree crown. With a mature tree, the crown reaches a size with which it can shade 600 square meters.

If the beech is free, it usually does not grow quite as high. In the forest, on the other hand, where the trunk is protected by other trees, it can reach a size of 45 meters.

The annual growth of a beech

The beech sprout for the first time in spring. During this first budding, it increases an average of 40 centimeters in height and about 35 centimeters in width.

The second shoot in July is between 20 and 30 centimeters.

When is a beech fully grown?

A beech is considered mature when it is 100 to 150 years old. In the first few years, beech trees grow much faster. From the age of 100 years and more, it does not increase in size as much.

Mannbar is a beech with 40 years. This means that it only develops fruit from this age, from which new trees sprout.

A prerequisite for flowering and later fruit is that the tree is not pruned too much. When planted as a hedge, a beech grows between 70 and 400 centimeters high.

Grow beech as a bonsai

Beeches tolerate pruning very well. Not only as a hedge, they can be cut to the desired size. They are also very suitable for growing as bonsai. For bonsai care, not only the crown but also the roots are pruned.

tips

Book are up to 300 years old. Occasionally even older trees have been found. Beech is used as timber up to the age of 200 years.

Category:

Trees