American Beech Tree | Fagus Grandifolia
American Beech Tree, Fagus grandifolia is a deciduous tree that will bring great beauty and elegance to your landscape with its tall stature. This tree creates plenty of shade and is excellent when planted as an ornamental accent or focal point for your yard, garden, or landscape.
Plant this tree in a location that receives full sun. It is tolerant of some shade but will grow best with full sun. This slow-growing tree will create shade in your yard to be enjoyed by many generations. This tree has dark green and shiny leaves that will turn into brilliant yellow and orange in the fall.
Plant Details - American Beech Tree (Fagus Grandifolia)
Family: Fagaceae
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Needs: Moist
Height: 50 – 70 ft.
Spread: 50 – 70 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow
Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - American Beech Tree (Fagus Grandifolia)
American Beech Tree is a tall and beautiful tree native to the eastern United States. It is a tree well known and loved for its low branching habit and distinctive, smooth gray bark. This tree prefers to be planted in well-draining, acidic soil that is loamy or sandy in texture. It should be avoided planting in compacted or clay soil.
Water this tree until it is well established in its new location. Once it is established, you will not need to water this tree except in cases of extreme drought. This tree will produce small beech nuts, which encase its seeds. These beech nuts are a vital food source for local wildlife, including birds and mammals.
This tree will not need routine pruning; however, you must prune any damaged or diseased branches. Watch this tree for signs of fungal issues and treat immediately.
Noteworthy Characteristics of the American Beech Tree
American Beech Tree will attract lots of wildlife to your yard. Prepare to see many birds, mammals, and butterflies! Birds will nest in its branches and in its cavities. This tree will attract butterflies and moths, and it is a host for the Rosy Maple Moth.
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Exposure
The American Beech Tree thrives in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sunlight, especially in its early years. It prefers a sheltered location to enjoy dappled sunlight or filtered light through the above-canopy.
Height at Maturity
Over 25 Feet
Usage
Shade
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
3-9
How To Grow & Care Tips
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.