Purple fountain Beech

by Karen
(Dekalb il)

Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

We just purchased this beech. The leader appears missing. Should I plant this tree?

Comments for Purple fountain Beech

By All Means!
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

You can train a new leader, if that's your concern. These trees are not like other similar types of garden tree. They tend to wander all over the place, making a new path every season.

To train a new leader, gently bend a promising stem upwards,and tie it carefully to a straight stick or bamboo pole. The bamboo pole is a good option because it's light weight. Use panty hose to tie it, winding it like a figure 8 around the pole and the stem of the tree, in several places. Make it loose enough that the tree won't get strangled, but firm enough that it won't rattle around in the wind and get damaged.

In time, this could take several seasons, with redoing the tying up every year, to get the new leader to do what it's supposed to - grow straight up in the air.

Another system that works is to put three posts upright in the same planting hole, alongside the tree, about six to 12" from it. Then wind rope, panty hose or other soft fabric ties to confine the tree inside the three supports. Eventually, you can remove the posts, carefully so as not to damage the roots.

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