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Beech hedge problem
REM
Posts: 3
We planted a new length of common green Beech hedge earlier this year using pot grown plants. A few weeks ago the leaves on one of the plants started to turn brown and this now appears to be happening on two adjacent plants. The leaves first turn brown at the edges, the colour then spreads towards the middle of the leaf until the whole of the leaf becomes a dark purple brown. Currrently, only three plants are affected. I'm concerned this is an infection of some sort and worry that it will spread to a mature Beech hedge located elsewhere in the garden. The attached photograph shows a typical leaf. Can anyone advise what might be the cause and what measures we can take to prevent it spreading?
0
Posts
Have you examined the whole plant? The symptoms don't fit any known diseases which affect beech. Are they well watered? New hedging of any sort needs regular watering once a week at least in the current weather. It could be stress due to the hot weather or something else. What was there previously?
The hedge was planted to replace a fence. It is watered regularly, during the recent heatwave it was watered daily. The problem appears to be confined to the leaves as the rest of the plant looks fine.
I know I always say water newly planted hedges, but beeches absolutely hate water-logging - maybe they've had a bit too much water - it's difficult to get it right in the changeable weather we're having.
Is the area where the affected leaves are on heavier soil maybe, so not draining so well?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It's definitely not copper Beech, until 2 weeks ago the leaves were green. The soil is well draining sandy soil hence the increased frequency of watering.