If you've ever traveled to Northern Europe, particularly Denmark, you may be familiar with the European Beech tree. It towers over the forests, reaching 60 feet tall with a 45-foot canopy spread. It is majestic and celebrated as Denmark's national tree and is even mentioned in their National Anthem. But truth be told, due to its size, it is not entirely practical for most yards.
Luckily, an alternative exists - the Weeping Beech.
The Weeping Beech Fits Most Yards
This funky and smaller version of the European Beech is perfect for yards where space is limited. The tree's unique character and weeping branches make it memorable in any yard. It only grows to a mature height of 15 feet with an equal canopy spread, making it manageable and requiring less maintenance than some other trees.
Varieties And Growing Conditions
The Weeping Beech is available in two varieties: Purple and Green, with the only difference being the color of their foliage. Both varieties prefer humus-rich, light to medium soil and are resistant to most diseases and pests. However, it may come down with common tree diseases such as root rot, so ensure it's planted in well-draining soil to avoid such potential issues.
The Weeping Beech thrives in partial to full sun exposure and humus-rich, well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. When first planted and till the root system has been established, the tree requires moderate watering, making it important to maintain a consistent watering schedule during dry spells. Get our Watering Guide for Trees here.
Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan
The Weeping Beech is a very low-maintenance tree, but occasional Pruning and fertilizing are good practices for maintaining a healthy and shapely tree. If pruning is desired, we recommend pruning during the late fall when the tree is dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. If needed, fertilize in the spring before new growth begins. Fertilizing is especially good if the tree is planted in poor soil conditions. While the Weeping Beach may not keep a 300-year-old Oak company till the end, it does have a relatively long lifespan of around 50-60 years.
Overall, the low-maintenance Weeping Beech is a beautiful and unique addition to any yard. While it may require somewhat specific growing conditions, the payoff is a one-of-a-kind tree that can truly make a statement in any landscape.
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