American beech
Fagus grandifolia
Overview
The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is an amazing plant species that offers an attractive, ornamental look and is highly adaptable to many environments. Its smooth, gray bark provides a unique and interesting aesthetic to any landscape. This species is also particularly well-known for its dense, upright foliage which remains green throughout the year. Its foliage also changes colors in the fall, appearing bronze, yellow, and red that make any landscape look beautiful. In addition, the plant is known for its hardiness and resilience, surviving most extreme weather conditions. American beech is perfect for use in landscapes and gardens as it provides an enjoyable sight and can remain healthy in a variety of climates.
Care Guide
Watering
American beech trees need to be watered about twice a month during the growing season (spring through fall). During the hot summer months, they should be watered at least once a week. Make sure to soak the root system deeply each time, until water runs from the bottom of the pot. In drier months, water once every 2 weeks. During the winter months, all watering should be stopped, as the tree goes dormant and doesn't need extra watering.
Light
American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) thrive in full sunlight, enjoying at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in partial shade, the tree will be less dense and will not reach its full potential. When grown in full sun, American beech trees will have an upright and more broadly conical growth form, with increased foliage and denser growth in comparison to those grown in partial shade. During the spring and summer months, American beech should receive the suggested 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally in the morning and midday. Throughout the winter months, they will still need at least a few hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil
Sandy Loamy Clay
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3-9.
Pruning
Pruning American beech trees should ideally be done in late winter or early spring, when the trees are dormant. Pruning should be done judiciously and not overly aggressive. Pruning should remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as branches that are rubbing against each other. Branch structure should be preserved and the overall shape of the tree should be maintained. Pruning should also be done to remove competing leaders and excessive or overgrown buds. To reduce the size of an American beech tree, no more than 1 third of the branches should be removed in 1 pruning session. If removing more than 1 third of the branches, multiple pruning sessions should be done over a couple of years.
Propagation
Seed Propagation
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