If you’re planning to add a European Beech hedge (often called *Rotbuche* in Germany) to your property, my first piece of advice is to shop around! Prices can vary quite a bit between local nurseries and online suppliers. Before you start clicking “add to cart,” make sure you have a clear idea of how long you want your hedge to be.
What Does a European Beech Hedge Cost?
The great news is that European Beech is actually quite affordable at most garden centers. However, the total cost depends on a few different factors that you’ll want to weigh against each other. Here’s what usually goes into the price tag:
- Plant size: Generally, the taller the tree, the higher the price.
- Root type: You’ll choose between bare-root (no soil), root-balled (wrapped in burlap), or container-grown (in a plastic pot).
- Quantity: How many individual plants do you actually need?
- Hedge length: You’ve got to measure your yard before you buy!
- Source: Are you ordering from an online wholesaler, a local nursery, or a big-box garden center?
- Logistics: Don’t forget to factor in delivery fees versus picking them up yourself.
- Labor: Are you rolling up your sleeves to plant them yourself, or are you hiring a pro? (If hiring, remember to account for their hourly rate and the time it takes to finish the job).
Size and Root Types
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the sapling, the more you’ll pay. Bare-root plants are almost always the most budget-friendly option, though they require a little extra love—you’ll need to soak the roots for several hours before they go in the ground. Root-balled plants are usually delivered and sit in the middle of the price range. Container-grown beeches are the most expensive, but they offer a huge advantage: they can be planted almost any time of year and tend to establish themselves very quickly.
Here’s a quick look at what you might expect to pay:
- 60 – 80 cm (approx. 24-31″), Container: around $16.00
- 60 – 80 cm (approx. 24-31″), Bare-root: around $2.20 each
- 100 – 125 cm (approx. 39-49″), Container: around $32.00
- 80 – 120 cm (approx. 31-47″), Bare-root: between $2.20 and $3.30 each
How Many Plants Do You Need?
Generally, you should plan for at least two beech trees per linear meter (about 3 feet). A spacing of roughly 20 inches (50 cm) gives each plant enough room to breathe and grow. If you’re impatient and want a “privacy now” look, you can plant them closer together, but keep in mind this drives up your initial cost. Plus, down the road, you might actually have to thin some out so the remaining trees get enough sunlight.
If you want a wide, extra-thick hedge, I recommend a zigzag planting pattern. You’ll plant two parallel rows about 20 inches apart, staggering the plants so they fill the gaps of the opposite row. Just remember: this method requires double the number of trees!
