How to Care for a Copper Beech Tree

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Pole saw

  • Mulch

  • Frost blanket

  • Twine

  • Pruning saw

  • Hand pruners

The Copper beech tree is another name for the European beech. It get its name because of the copper coloring of the leaves in the fall. copper beech is a tall tree that can reach heights of more than 100 feet, although most achieve heights of around 40 to 50 feet. The trunk and limbs of the copper beech are grayish silver. It grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 4 through 7.

Advertisement

Step 1

Check the the location where the copper beech tree is planted to ensure that it receives full sunlight all day. Although partial sunlight is acceptable, a young tree will fail to thrive in shade. If needed, prune off branches from nearby trees with a pole saw to provide adequate sunlight.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Water the soil under the copper beech tree to an 8- to 10-inch depth once per week if no rainfall occurs. Starting in the late spring, increase watering to two or three times per week to prevent the soil from drying out. Soggy soil will harm the tree.

Step 3

Spread mulch around the base of the copper beech until it forms a circular pattern and reaches a 3-inch depth. This conserves soil moisture in the summer and protects the shallow surface roots from frost damage in the winter.

Advertisement

Step 4

Drape a frost blanket over young copper beech trees and secure it loosely with twine when temperatures are expected to dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the frost blanket when temperatures moderate. Frost protection is required only until the beech trees are 2 to 3 years old.

Step 5

Prune the copper beech tree in the winter months when it is dormant. Remove dead branches, which appear dark instead of light gray, near the trunk. Make the cuts with a pruning saw. Locate and remove any small suckers growing from the side of the trunk, using hand pruners.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references