Establishing a new beech hedge

Sam76

Hi all, i have just planted a new beech hedge. The ground is a bit wet as its at the bottom of a slope, so i added lots of grit and firmed them in. Its also in a frost pocket (i know im being ambitious!) so ive layed a think layer of composted woodchip. Is there anything else i can do to protect them? I plan to add bonemeal in the spring. Should i cut the tops off to encourage bushiness?

All advice welcome!

Sam76

Topbird

I think you've done a good job there Sam🙂 Usually I'd say don't let them dry out but with the situation and the mulch they should be ok. Sounds as though you've also taken steps to reduce the risk of waterlogging - so you just need to keep an eye on them.

Personally, I wouldn't nip the tops just now. It's a bit difficult to see but are they just short little whips? If so, I'd wait until there distinct signs of growth and then maybe take the tops off.

I'm assuming your typo of a 'think' mulch is a 'thick' mulch rather than a 'thin' layer?

Fairygirl

I don't think you need do anything else either.
Beech likes a drier soil anyway, so it's unlikely you'll need to water them until next spring/summer - should you have a long dry spell at that point. They should establish well with the conditions you have. 

Sam76

Thanks Topbird & Fairygirl! Yes that was a typo! Meant to be 'thick' mulch

Sam76

When adding bonemeal in the spring, is it better to scatter it around the stems of the beech or on top of the mulch? We have a lot of cats around who could make a mess trying to get the bonemeal

Fairygirl

It's better to sprinkle it round the plants, tickle it in a bit with your hand, then put a mulch on top. It won't need much.

It's usually dogs and foxes that like it though. 

glasgowdan

Just leave things the way they are, the beech will start to grow next season and maybe take a light trim in a couple of years

Sam76

Thanks all