Beech hedges - how long to grow?!

[Mrsuncertainty]

... And can I plant it at this time of year?

Someone told me they're a PITA to look after ... but anyway, I want one! Problem is I don't want to wait 5 years for it to grow, as its mostly for privacy...

What a lovely choice of hedge !

Why are they a PITA ? thats not true.

Definitely the right time to plant whips now and yes unfortunately they will take some time to establish.

Good idea to put some fertiliser or manure down before you plant.

We have beech hedge all round our house, it was about 9ft high at one time but became a bit harder to cut. So we had it professionally cut down to about 6ft just enough privacy and adequate to trim.

They do look really nice,BUT are a pain getting the leaves up when they fall in winter! Better round the front because it's paved just sweep up but round the back in the soil and grass a pain we have to do it a good few times and not good when it's freezing.

Just something to consider!
You can buy established one's but a lot dearer, depends how many you need

Done differences in opinion, but that's ok!

I still want one... Ok, I'm go to look on the garden centre then, thanks all.

We have one joining our neighbours property, which they put in as hardly more than twigs. It has taken about four years to grow but it still has a long way to go before it gets more substantial. It is still quite spindly.

We get on with our neighbours and aren't too precious about our privacy, but if you are I would plant a more established one (if there is such a thing), or you will be exposed for a number of years.

I have to say it looks very pretty now though.

Lovely choice - glorious russet colour in the winter sunlight. Most of the leaves don't fall until the spring when they are pushed off by the new growth. Do consider planting purple beech - striking colour in the summer and sets off nearby rich flower colours beautifully. May take slightly longer to grow but feed, mulch annually, having prepared well the ground for planting of course! Also water well in the first year! I had to start again with a hedge I neglected in a dry summer. Generally, smaller whips will establish better than larger pot-grown plants if treated properly. (Said she with hindsight).