Fagus sylvatica - Beech

The Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech, is a popular hedgerow tree with dense marcescent foliage that provides both wind protection and privacy. Its leaves, which dry up in autumn, remain attached to the branches until spring when new leaves appear. This forest species is easy to cultivate and responds well to pruning. Depending on your budget, the length of your hedge, your patience, and the time you can dedicate to gardening, different types of products are available to you.

- For an economical beech hedge, opt for 9cm pots that can be planted throughout the year, or choose bare-root plants for autumn or winter planting. Soil preparation should be meticulous (careful weeding, removal of all roots, planting trench), and it is advisable to place a weed suppressant at the base of the shrubs to limit the germination of weeds until they establish themselves. Once established, they grow rapidly and will quickly catch up with their larger potted counterparts. This is the most cost-effective solution for hedges of at least 10m (32ft) in length.

- For a fast-growing beech hedge or to replenish an existing hedge, choose 4-litre or even 10-litre potted shrubs. Potted shrubs can be planted throughout the year, except during freezing or extremely hot periods. They should be planted in individual planting holes, like any other shrub in the garden. While they make an immediate impact, they take a little longer to establish and will require more frequent and regular watering, especially during dry summers.

Respect the proper planting distance based on the size of your plant! Allow 60cm (23.6in) spacing between each plant for potted and bare-root shrubs, 70 to 80cm (31.5in) for 2 or 3-litre potted plants, 80cm (31.5in) to 1m (3.3ft) for 4 to 10-litre pots, and 1m (3.3ft) to 1.2m (3.9ft) for pots larger than 10 litres.

The beech tree, scientifically known as Fagus sylvatica, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with smooth, light grey bark. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to central Europe and the Caucasus, it is one of the most common species in European forests. The Fagus sylvatica is the most popular beech tree. It is very hardy and can reach a height of 20m (65.6ft) at maturity.

Its foliage is very dense. The leaves are alternate and elliptical, measuring 4 to 10cm (1.6 to 3.9in) in length. The leaf margins are undulate and hairy. They have 5 to 9 pairs of lateral veins. When the tree is young, the leaves are pale green, becoming shiny dark green and eventually copper-coloured in autumn. They are marcescent, meaning they dry up while remaining on the tree until the arrival of new leaves in spring.

The flowers appear almost simultaneously with the leaves. From April to May, barely visible monoecious cream-coloured flowers appear. The male flowers are gathered in pendulous catkins measuring 40 to 60mm (1.6 to 2.4in). The female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 clusters at the ends of the branches. Fagus sylvatica trees over 60 years old produce fruit called beechnuts, which are shiny brown and covered in prickles. These fruits, measuring 12 to 18mm (0.5 to 0.7in) in length, are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used to use them to make flour. Beech trees are used for hedges as they respond well to pruning. Their reddish wood is used in cabinetmaking and for making wooden tools, toys, and firewood.