You'll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you're willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.

For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section.

Purple Beech hedging is relatively low maintenance and by planning your beech hedging care routine carefully, you will only have to prune once or twice a year.

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' can be tidied up in June, if it’s looking a little messy but we'd recommend pruning an established beech hedge in late summer. August is the ideal time, as a late summer cutting means that the plants have enough time to re-grow and recover before the winter and having a last flush of growth increases the winter coverage that makes beech hedging so popular.

Looking after a beech hedge is important, but it is possible to renovate an overgrown beech hedge. This sort of beech hedging maintenance should be carried out in February whilst it’s still dormant. If your overgrown beech hedge requires cutting back by more than half of its size it is best to do this gradually over two growing seasons. Firstly, cut back the top and one side of the hedge, leaving the other side for the following year.

Hard pruning is nothing to worry about, the beech hedging growth rate is particularly fast, approximately 30-60cm per year so your hedge will soon recover. With regular beech hedging maintenance, we do recommend using a slow release fertiliser, such as Bonemeal.