Beech

Beech is a long lived native deciduous tree. Its bark is smooth and grey and its russet torpedo shaped leaf buds form on short stalks. The young leaves are lime green, darkening with age. 

Found in woodland, Beech grow to a height of 40m with a beautiful domed head. Beech makes a wonderful hedge as well as a beautiful stand alone tree with the leaves often remaining through the winter. Prune in spring and autumn to keep the shape and height you need. They give protection to other smaller species and are an important habitat for wildlife. Male catkins hang on long stalks with the female flowers paired in a cup on the same tree in April and May and are wind pollinated. They prefer a drier, free draining soil such as chalk, limestone and light loams.