Fagus Sylvatica - Green Beech

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as Green Beech, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful native large trees in Britain. With its elegant spreading branches, smooth pale grey trunk, and shimmering young foliage, Beech brings architectural presence and year-round interest to landscapes. In autumn, the glossy green leaves turn a rich copper, creating a spectacular seasonal display.

Beech is equally valued as a magnificent specimen tree and as one of the finest hedging plants available. Fast-growing yet low maintenance, Beech hedges require only one cut per year. Although deciduous, the hedge retains its dry brown leaves throughout winter, providing year-round screening until fresh new growth emerges in spring.

Thriving on well-drained soils, including chalk and acid sands, Beech prefers to avoid heavy, waterlogged ground but tolerates shade well. Its timber has long been prized for furniture making, wood-turning, and charcoal production. Historically, beech mast has been used as animal feed and even for human consumption during times of hardship.

This is the size and type we sell: Fagus sylvatica Green Beech 20–60cm Cell Grown, 40–60cm 1u1, and 60–80cm 1u1, professionally grown for hedging, specimen planting, and woodland schemes.

Features & Benefits

Beautiful native large tree with elegant spreading habit

Smooth pale grey bark and architectural branching

Rich copper autumn foliage

Excellent low-maintenance hedging plant

Retains brown leaves through winter for screening

Valuable hardwood timber species

Provides wildlife food through beech mast

Applications

Specimen tree for parks and large gardens

Domestic and formal hedging

Woodland planting and restoration

Screening and boundary definition

Council, estate, and landscape projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 4m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 14m height x 7m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Fagus sylvatica

Common Name | Green Beech

Plant Type | Deciduous native tree

Growth Rate | Medium to fast

Mature Height | Up to 25m+

Mature Spread | Up to 7m+

Soil Type | Well-drained soils; chalk and acid tolerant; avoid waterlogging

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–60cm Cell Grown / 40–60cm 1u1 / 60–80cm 1u1

Maintenance | Hedge trim July–August; pollard in winter if required

Wildlife Value | Beech mast feeds birds and small mammals; enriches soil