Even as the growing season winds down, the beech tree remains a total showstopper. As that deep summer green fades, it makes way for a brilliant, glowing yellow that seems to get brighter by the day. The best part? Since beech trees don’t need much maintenance this time of year, you’ll have plenty of time to just sit back and soak in the view.
Admiring the Golden Autumn Canopy
In the fall, the beech’s foliage shifts into a stunning orange-red hue. It’s the kind of canopy that stops neighbors in their tracks, but as the owner, you get a front-row seat every single day. And since the tree is pretty self-sufficient in autumn, you can actually enjoy it without a long to-do list. Interestingly, you’ll notice the beech keeps its leaves in winter, too. These are actually dried-out leaves from the previous season that hang on tight until the new buds push them off in March.
Harvesting Beech Nuts
Once a beech tree reaches maturity—meaning it’s old enough to produce flowers and fruit—you might be in for a big harvest. These little nuts, known as beechnuts, are slightly toxic if eaten raw, but once they’re roasted, they are incredibly versatile! Try using them:
- As a flour substitute for cakes and cookies
- As a caffeine-free coffee alternative
- As a tasty, crunchy snack
- As a topping for salads
Pro Tip:
You can actually eat beech leaves, too! Just wait until spring for that—you want to catch them when they’re young, tender, and bright green.
It’s Planting Season!
If you’re looking to add a new beech tree to your yard, October is the perfect time to grab your shovel. Fall is also the ideal window if you need to move a tree to a new spot. Just a heads-up: transplanting usually only works for young trees. Older beeches develop massive, complex root systems that make them nearly impossible to dig up successfully.
Your Fall Maintenance Checklist
Make sure you finish up any fertilizing or pruning by the end of summer. You definitely don’t want to do this in the fall, as it encourages new growth that won’t have time to harden off before the first frost hits. While older trees are quite hardy, you should give young beeches some extra frost protection. It’s also a great idea to apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of any beech tree to help the soil retain moisture through the colder months.
