Beech (Fagus sylvatica) 40-60cm (1’4″-2’0″)

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) 40-60cm (1’4″-2’0″) This pot-grown Beech is supplied in a 5 litre pot and is currently 40-60cm (1’4″-2’0″) tall. Plant height is measured from the top of the pot or rootball to the tip of the tree. Common Beech is one of Britain’s most recognisable broadleaf trees, valued for its smooth silver-grey bark, elegant branching and dense canopy. Its fresh green leaves deepen through summer before turning yellow, bronze and copper in autumn. Young trees and regularly clipped plants often hold their dry leaves through winter, giving useful seasonal structure. This long-lived tree makes an impressive specimen for larger gardens, parkland, avenues and woodland planting. It can also be trained as a formal hedge where its dense growth provides privacy and shelter. Beech establishes best in fertile, free-draining soil and is particularly well suited to chalk, limestone and light loams. Key Features • Classic native or naturalised broadleaf tree with smooth grey bark • Attractive copper and bronze autumn foliage • Suitable as a specimen tree, woodland tree or formal hedge • Medium growth rate of around 30-60cm per year • Supports birds, insects and small mammals as it matures Technical Specifications Botanical name: Fagus sylvatica Common name: Beech Plant type: Deciduous broadleaf tree; also suitable for formal hedging Form: Young single-stem tree Supplied height: 40-60cm (1’4″-2’0″) Pot size: 5 litre Height measurement: From the top of the pot or rootball to the tip of the tree Growth rate: Medium, typically 30-60cm per year once established Ultimate height: 25-40m as an unpruned tree Ultimate spread: 15m or more at maturity Foliage and seasonal interest: Fresh green spring foliage, deep green summer leaves and warm yellow-to-copper autumn colour; young or clipped plants often retain dry brown leaves into winter Position: Full sun or partial shade; sheltered or moderately exposed sites Soil: Fertile, well-drained chalk, loam or sandy soil; avoid persistently wet or waterlogged ground Hardiness: Fully hardy in all parts of the UK Wildlife value: Beech foliage supports moth caterpillars, while mature trees provide shelter and beech mast for birds and small mammals Planting Guide Plant 3-5 plants per metre for hedging. When to plant: Pot-grown trees can be planted throughout the year, provided the soil is not frozen, waterlogged or excessively dry. Autumn to early spring usually gives the easiest establishment. Planting hole: Water the pot thoroughly, then dig a hole 1.5-2 times the width of the rootball but no deeper than the rootball itself. Loosen compacted soil at the sides and base without creating a sump. Planting depth: Remove the pot and position the tree with the top of the rootball at soil level ensuring the top of the rootball is just covered with soil and is not proud. Planting too deeply can restrict establishment. Backfilling: Refill with the excavated soil, firming gently in stages to remove large air pockets. Organic matter or good top soil can be mixed into poor soil, but avoid creating a rich pocket that discourages roots from spreading. Spacing: For hedging, plant 3-5 plants per metre. For a specimen tree, allow at least 8-12m from other large trees and permanent structures. For woodland or screening, 3-5m spacing is more suitable. Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting and regularly during dry periods for the first two growing seasons. Newly planted trees must not be allowed to dry out. Staking: Use a low tree stake and flexible tie if the site is exposed or the rootball moves after planting. Mulching: Apply a 5-8cm layer of organic mulch over the root area, keeping it clear of the trunk. Pruning and aftercare: Little pruning is required as a tree. Remove damaged, crossing or poorly placed branches while young; established hedges are normally trimmed in late summer. Planting Advice Water the pot before planting, then dig a hole around 1.5-2 times wider than the rootball and no deeper. Set the tree at the same depth it was growing in the pot, with the top of the rootball at soil level, backfill with the original soil and firm gently. Water thoroughly after planting and continue deep watering during dry weather for at least the first two growing seasons. Add a 5-8cm organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but leave a clear gap around the trunk. Beech dislikes prolonged waterlogging, so improve drainage or choose another position if the soil remains saturated. • Keep a weed-free circle of at least 60cm around the base while the tree establishes. • Water deeply rather than little and often, checking the soil below the mulch during warm weather. • Stake only where wind movement makes the rootball unstable; use a flexible tie and inspect it regularly. Delivery Information Fast Nationwide Shipping: Delivered in 1–5 working days. You can select your preferred delivery option at checkout. Carefully Packed: To ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition, we se