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Beech hedge help

Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Our beech hedges were planted before we moved in and I don’t know what to do with them. We’ve been watering them - am I not doing something right? I’ve attached a picture - hoping for advice.
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  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    When did you move in? The shrubs look quite young, so it's just about patience. If you can post a photo a bit closer so others can see the base of the plant, and the growth. If you are creating a hedge, they benefit from pruning to help more branching. If there has been no pruning over the year, it may just mean, your shrubs continue to grow lengthy branches with sparse leaves.

  • Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
    I haven’t pruned yet, what do I need to do? I was worried if I cut anything off it might die. I don’t have the best track record with plants so all I’ve done is water them.
    The angle is wrong on the photo when I upload it on here - so apologies! 
  • Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
    I moved in July.

    heres some at the base.


  • Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
    Borderline said:
    When did you move in? The shrubs look quite young, so it's just about patience. If you can post a photo a bit closer so others can see the base of the plant, and the growth. If you are creating a hedge, they benefit from pruning to help more branching. If there has been no pruning over the year, it may just mean, your shrubs continue to grow lengthy branches with sparse leaves.


    Have added some pics below. Thanks for your reply 

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Thanks for posting some more photos. I can't see too much wrong with them. They are looking a bit untidy at the moment, because they are still young and trying to bush out.

    I would continue to water them thoroughly. Deep watering into the base area only and water at least a bucketful for each shrub in the late evenings or early mornings until mid October. Continue with this regime next year when late spring begins. 

    Also, keep an eye on tree seedlings or weeds peeping through around the base. In both your photos I can seen something else growing around their base and definitely a tree sapling in one photo. They will compete with your hedge for water and root space.

    Start pruning your shrubs from next year. You can start with spring prune and another light prune in late summer. This will help your shrub branch out more and create more leaves.
  • Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
    Thank you this is really helpful.

    I will get out there now and start looking around the bottoms for things that aren’t beech and pull/dig out. 

    I’m glad that they aren’t dead, or dying - I have around 100 of these in the garden so would not be ideal! :)
  • Loraine3Loraine3 Posts: 579
    Yes, as Borderline says, you have a tree seedling, Sycamore, growing. This needs removing as soon as possible and keep an eye open for any more.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Good luck. Most of the time, young shrubs just need consistent watering, but correct watering for the first 2-3 years to help the roots establish into the soil. 
  • Aljj123Aljj123 Posts: 7
    Thanks all, I’ve removed the weeds and seedlings. There’s a sycamore tree about 10ft away so I’ve found around 5 or 6 of those. Hopefully I’ve got them all.

    Ive also found a few brambles that I’ve dug our but some are growing through the neighbours fence opposite. Can I put anything on it to kill it off? Or is that too risky being so near to the hedges?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I find it strange that they have those massive poles as stakes. Beech whips don't need any staking unless you're in a seriously exposed, windy site.
    Ideally, those should have been cut back after planting. They would be better, and bushier, specimens by now, but you could take them back a bit now if you wanted.  :)
    Cutting back won't kill them @Aljj123 - it does the opposite and promotes better, bushier growth.  :)

    Removing all the weed seedlings etc, and tidying up round the base is always a good move, and a mulch after they're well dampened will also help. They should be better by next year, but if it was mine, I'd take those stakes out unless there's  a very good reason for them being there.  Difficult to see from the pix though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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