 TreesPropagation
Planting
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Fagus
sylvatica is a deciduous tree that reaches 30m
in height and likes well drained chalk soils especially chalk hillsides and will tolerate
shade. Its leaves start pale green in colour turning dark glossy green, alternate, 4-9cm in size, oval, with pointed
smooth edge.Between April and May flowers are produced, male flowers are numerous and
produced on long stalks, female flowers are produced in pairs on short stalks.
Triangular shaped seeds in spiny shells are produced in September. This tree can be be
clipped closely and still remain dense making it suitable for growing as hedging.
Beechwood bends easily and is ideal for making furniture particularly chairs.  Beech
seeds may be collected from the ground, but discard the first to fall. Good mast crops
rotate usually on a three yearly cycle.Test seeds by putting in water - fertile seeds
sink. Sow immediately but protect from predators and frost.
Chairmakers once worked with beechwood using
primitive lathes to turn furniture legs.
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