American Beech Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

50 - 70 Feet

Mature Spread

30 - 40 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

American Beech is an excellent tree for both providing shade and edible nuts. This stately tree has gorgeously smooth, gray bark and understated serrated leaves that turn shades of yellow and bronze during the fall. The canopy is quite wide and provides shade for humans and wildlife. American Beech is a favorite tree for parks and other open spaces. Although Fagus grandiflora is native to the eastern half of North America, from Nova Scotia to the American southeast, it grows very well in almost any part of the lower 48 states.

The wide canopy of American Beech develops a natural oval shape when planted in a spot with plenty of room to grow. Many cities recommend the American Beech for use on large properties and away from powerlines and public rights of way. Although Beech trees are slower growing than other popular street trees, they will reach an overall height of 70-80 feet and do not tolerate the pollution levels of urban areas. American Beech is at home in a vast open space where it can be grown as an anchor for a naturalized area to encourage wildlife. 

American Beech Tree Care

American Beech Trees require careful spacing from all buildings, sidewalks, driveways, and other hard structures that would be damaged by the shallow spreading roots. American Beech needs average amounts of water and will tolerate short periods of dry weather, although it is not considered a drought-tolerant tree. Provide 1 inch of water once a week for the first few years after planting. Provide soil that is as deep as possible. American Beech has an extensive shallow root system that can be encouraged to grow deeper in the ground if started in deep, well-drained soil. The site must have full sun and no competition from other large trees growing nearby.

Pruning is not needed early in the tree's life. Allow the canopy to develop naturally and spread. Thinning of heavily crossing branches can be done in the winter. Winter pruning will reduce the number of water sprouts that form, simplifying future pruning. American Beech tends to have a very low canopy that can be brought up higher if desired by cutting off the lower branches. Do not remove more than one-fourth of the branches each year. Removing the lower canopy slowly is less likely to stress the tree and cause damage. Reducing the crown to shorten the tree is not recommended and could weaken its growth significantly. 

The nuts formed on American Beech are edible after they fully ripen. Unripe nuts that fall early are mildly toxic and should be kept out of the way of children and pets. 

American Beech Tree Spacing

American Beech Tree is a large, stately tree at maturity and requires careful spacing when planted. The standard recommendation is to keep the future canopy growth at least 10 feet away from power poles/lines and garages. Keep the root base 15-20 feet away from building foundations and other large trees. Know the positions of any underground utilities and keep the root base 5 feet or more away.