How do you prune Fagus sylvatica?

Start with the top of the hedge, then do the sides. After leveling the top of the hedge, work down the side of each plant from top to ground level. Taper the beech hedge plants outward like the letter “A.” This allows light to reach the lower branches and encourages leaf coverage near the bottom.

When should a beech hedge be cut back?

The best time for trimming Beech hedges is in late summer, ideally in August. By trimming at this time of year the hedge will respond by retaining its leaves through the Winter giving the effective year-round screen that is often sought from this species.