Getting your spacing right is absolutely key if you want your beech trees to take root quickly. Proper spacing ensures each little tree gets its fair share of sunlight and those all-important nutrients. Exactly how far apart you should plant them depends mostly on how big your saplings are to start with, but your personal goals matter too. If you’re dreaming of a tall, thick privacy screen in record time, you’re going to want to plant a few more trees per foot.
Finding the Sweet Spot for Spacing
Generally speaking, the “magic number” for planting a beech hedge is about 20 inches (50 centimeters) apart.
If you’re working with very young, small saplings, you can definitely pack them in a bit tighter. Planting them closer together helps the hedge look full and opaque much faster. In these cases, you can get away with planting three to four trees per meter (about 3 feet).
Just a heads-up, though: if you go the high-density route, you’ll eventually need to remove every second tree so the remaining ones have enough room to breathe. Keep in mind that once they’re established, those extra trees usually don’t survive being transplanted elsewhere.
Want a pro tip for a thicker hedge without losing any trees later? Try planting them in a zigzag pattern! Just make sure to maintain that standard 20-inch distance between each plant.
How to Plant Your New Hedge
When it’s time to get your hands dirty, it helps to have a solid game plan. Here’s a simple step-by-step to get you started:
- Run a string line along the path where you want your hedge to grow to keep things straight.
- Dig a trench about 16 inches (40 centimeters) deep.
- Mix your garden soil with some good compost to give your trees a nutrient boost right out of the gate.
- Place your beech trees in the trench, keeping them about 20 inches apart.
A Few Extra Care Tips
To keep your hedge looking its best, aim to prune it twice a year. This encourages healthy growth, prevents the bottom from getting “leggy” or bare, and ensures the hedge fills in quickly for total privacy. Plus, it just keeps everything looking sharp and tidy!
While you’re pruning in the spring, you can actually save some money by taking cuttings. Look for woody shoots about 6 inches long and pop them into some potting soil.
Just a fair warning: beech cuttings can be a bit finicky, and many of them won’t successfully take root. It’s a good idea to start more cuttings than you think you’ll need to increase your chances of success.
It usually takes about two years for these cuttings to develop strong enough roots to be planted out in the garden. Patience is key!
