When is the Best Time to Prune a Beech Tree?

Late winter to early spring.

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Expert insight into the best time to prune a beech tree; why beech tree pruning is important, and how to identify common beech tree diseases.

The beech tree, Latin name Fagus sylvatica and also known as the common beech or the European beech is a UK native species that is known to live for hundreds of years, or even thousands with regular coppicing, which makes them important havens for wood-boring insects and birds that nest in holes.

Beech trees have the potential to grow to more than 40 metres and when mature typically develop a significantly sized domed crown. This tree is often confused with the hornbeam, except the leaves of the beech have characteristic wavy edges whereas the hornbeam sports leaves with serrated margins.

You will often see beech trees used as hedging; with regular clipping it will avoid shedding its leaves which means it offers a thick privacy screen all year round which is much loved by birds and homeowners alike.

Why prune a beech tree?      

The beech tree is fairly low maintenance and only requires light pruning. Harder pruning of the beech tree could cause serious issues for the tree, so it is important to proceed with caution when carrying out pruning.

The overall aim with beech tree pruning is to maintain its ideal size and to keep it manageable and in good health. You are looking to enhance the tree’s aesthetic appeal, and this means keeping pruning in proportion.

You will be looking to remove dead wood and prune out any branches that have been damaged by bad weather or that have been affected by insects or animals. You’ll also want to remove any branches growing too close to each other in order to promote good air flow and light penetration which will assist in keeping the tree healthy.

Crown thinning is the method used by tree surgeons to do this, and they will also sometimes employ crown lifting, which involves cutting away a selection of the lower branches in order to prevent the tree interfering with traffic or passers-by.

When is the best time for beech tree pruning?

The beech tree should be pruned either in late winter or early spring during its dormant period. This will ensure that it doesn’t bleed sap, which attracts insects that could be carrying spores and diseases that will affect the tree. It is also easier to prune a large tree when it is not in leaf as it is much easier to see the branches.

What to look for when pruning a beech tree

If you spot sunken, dead patches of bark and small holes in the leaves of your beech tree, then it could be suffering from bacterial canker. These symptoms usually arise during spring and early summer, and you may also see a gummy substance oozing from the bark. Also look out for small brown spots on the leaves which later turn into holes. It is important to look for these symptoms before undertaking any pruning as you may need to revise your timings in order to ensure the tissues of the tree are at their most resistant.

Beech bark disease, caused by a combination of canker fungus and the sap-sucking scale insect, is also a known issue and in more serious cases can lead to the death of the tree. Phytophtora root rot (look for sparse, yellowing or wilting leaves and dieback of branches) and bark stripping courtesy of the grey squirrel can also be common problems for the beech tree.

Tree Preservation Orders

Never proceed with any tree work without first discovering whether there is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place. If so, permission must be obtained for the works and this can take up to eight weeks to come through. Furthermore, if the tree is sited in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before starting works of any nature.

The importance of beech tree pruning expertise

If you are eager for your beech tree to maintain an attractive appearance, for it to be in a safe condition and of course to maintain excellent health, then you should call in expert assistance should pruning be required.

Over-pruning of beech trees by unqualified and under-experienced individuals is unfortunately all too common and can sadly lead to permanent issues for the tree. In addition, as the beech tree is typically of great height, it is of course incredibly dangerous to attempt any form of work without the right equipment, insurance and expertise.

A qualified tree surgeon will be aware of precisely how and when to prune your beech tree in order to achieve your goals. They will also be fully aware of how to spot the common and often serious diseases associated with this particular tree, and will know how to deal with them so that the tree has the very best chance of survival.

If you have a beech tree on your land that needs pruning, why not get in touch with T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and highly experienced tree surgeons, we are able to offer specialist knowhow and expertise in all aspects of beech tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, give us a call on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.