Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Beech hedge dying

hazeljwilsonhazeljwilson Posts: 1
in Problem solving

Hi, we have a young (under five years old) beech hedge which has started to die at one end. The worst affected plant has yellowing leaves at the top and the trunk has multiple large cankers and small white spots. Other plants are so far looking better but some are displaying smaller cankers and some white fluff in places. Is this Beech Bark Disease and can it be treated?
We also have a mature purple beech tree which looks healthy.
Any advice on treatment appreciated. 
We are in the south east.
Thanks!

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I’m afraid the branches there look like they are dead. One looks like a Coral Spot to me. There are many reasons for this. It's either weakened by drought or sitting in heavy soil with poor drainage. Either prune it back to healthy growth or remove it completely if it is the main trunk affected.

    Beech tree roots are susceptible to drought conditions because they are more shallow. How have you been watering them? The other end of the spectrum is sitting in heavy soil that drains poorly. If you have soil like this you should work in a lots of organic matter or grit into the soil. 


  • jaydraperjaydraper Posts: 1
    my beech hedge is going yellow and brown and dropping leaves - doesn't usually drop leaves till spring.
    Is it the weird weather this year? 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I think it would be best to see a photo of the shrub/hedge. Is it an old and estabished hedge? As with many shrubs, dry conditions can cause pre-mature leaf drop. 
Sign In or Register to comment.