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Fastigiate Beech Fagus sylvatica Dawyck

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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more

Product Description

FAGUS SYLVATICA DAWYCK- Fastigiate Beech

Characteristics

A cultivar of the common beech with a fastigiate habit, it will make a tree of 25m (80ft) and has become popular as an ornamental tree as it will fit into confined spaces, by roadsides and office buildings. It is not particularly quick growing and in most respects apart from the upright habit has the characteristics of its parent.

Where to grow

Beech can be difficult to establish this is unlike most trees it is only after bud burst that root growth of the year begins. The first roots to appear are very thin (with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm). Later, after a wave of above ground growth, thicker roots grow in a steady fashion.

They also prefer humus rich light or medium soils and will not tolerate waterlogged root zones for any length of time. However during the establishment phase their root systems must not be allowed to dry out. This balance is crucial to planting success.
Did you know?

The original tree grows at Dawyck, Peeblesshire which is now part of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. It was moved to near the house after being discovered in woods in the 18th century. It was distributed to various Botanic Gardens and nurseries by F.R.S. Balfour in 1907 and propagated and popularised by Herr Hesse of Weener, Hanover.

Features

Mature Height

Medium - 10-15 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Fastigiate

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Chalk/Limestone
Light sandy

Sun Levels

All Sun levels

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Hard

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Copper

Leaf Colour

Green

Thorny

No

Moisture Levels

Drought tolerant

Aftercare

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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