American Beech Tree
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 brilliant yellow and orange in the fall.
American Beech Tree Details
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 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
The Fagus grandifolia 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.
Customer Reviews
My American Beech Tree from TN Nursery arrived in great condition and is now growing beautifully in my backyard. I appreciate TN Nursery’s commitment to offering native species that are well-adapted and high quality. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase.
If you're looking for a tree with timeless appeal, the American Beech from TN Nursery is it. The form, bark texture, and foliage are all stunning. Mine is settling in perfectly, and I’m excited to watch it mature.
I was impressed by the quality and health of my American Beech Tree. TN Nursery shipped it securely, and it arrived with moist roots and zero damage. It’s a slow-growing tree, but it’s already showing healthy new leaves.
I love the ecological benefits of the American Beech Tree—it's perfect for wildlife and provides excellent shade. TN Nursery delivered a strong, healthy tree that transplanted well. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a native hardwood.
This American Beech Tree has instantly added elegance to my property. Its smooth gray bark and dense branching make it a stunning focal point. TN Nursery shipped it with care, and the tree is growing steadily.
Is American beech a good tree?
Yes, the American Beech is an excellent tree known for its smooth gray bark and dense, green canopy. It provides great shade and stunning golden fall color. With sunlight and rich soil, it grows strong and adds timeless beauty to any landscape.
What are the disadvantages of beech trees?
There are no real disadvantages to beech trees—they’re elegant, hardy, and long-lived. Their smooth bark and dense canopy make them standout landscape trees. With proper space and care, they thrive and bring lasting beauty to any setting.
Do beech trees grow in Tennessee?
Yes, beech trees grow naturally in Tennessee. They thrive in the state’s rich, moist soils and shaded woodlands. With their smooth gray bark and golden fall color, they’re a beautiful part of Tennessee’s native forests.
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
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.
