GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Common Beech

Fagus sylvatica ยท Tree

Hardiness
H6 Hardy โ€” very cold winter (to โˆ’15 to โˆ’20ยฐC)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height ร— Spread
25โ€“50 m ร— โ€”
Soil
Any reasonable soil with good drainage; avoid waterlogged or moisture-retentive soil.
Flowering
โ€”
Toxicity
Slightly toxic due to tannins and alkaloids

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
๐Ÿชด Plant out
โœ‚๏ธ Prune

Watch out for

Woolly beech aphid: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds; severe infestations can be treated with a systemic insecticide or horticultural oil.

Beech bark disease: Remove and burn infected wood to reduce spread; maintain tree health to improve resistance as there is no cure.

Root rot: Ensure planting sites have good drainage and avoid watering excessively during wet periods.

Late frost damage: Plant in sheltered locations away from frost pockets; protect young trees with fleece if severe frosts are forecast.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation around the tree and apply a fungicide if infection is severe.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/common-beech ยฉ GardenWizz โ€” UK gardening encyclopedia