Smooth Gray Bark and Shade for Generations
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a tall deciduous tree (one that drops its leaves each fall) native to the eastern United States. It is known for its low branches and smooth, silver-gray bark, which stays smooth for the tree's whole life. Over many years, it grows into a broad shade tree 50 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 70 feet wide. If you're choosing American beech for landscaping, it also makes a handsome accent or focal point for a large yard.
Beech is a tree you plant for the long run, and our American beech tree for sale starts small, shipping at 1 to 2, 2 to 3, or 3 to 4 feet tall. This plant ships bare root. With no soil around the roots, it should go in the ground within a day or two, or be kept damp until it can. Read our American beech guide for step-by-step planting help.
For the first few years, it adds only a few inches a year while its roots spread, then speeds up to about a foot a year. Among shade trees, it is one of the slowest growers but also one of the longest-lived, often lasting 300 years or more. Its dark green, glossy leaves turn golden yellow and orange in fall.
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Botanical name: Fagus grandifolia, deciduous shade tree
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Width at Maturity: 40 to 70 feet, broad and low-branched
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Growth rate: slow, a few inches a year at first, then about 1 foot a year
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Fall color: golden yellow and orange; young trees hold tan leaves into winter
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Soil: acidic, loamy or sandy; avoid heavy clay and compacted ground
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Things to know: shallow roots and dense shade; beechnuts begin at about 40 years
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What ships: 1 to 4 feet tall, bare root
Shopping for an American Beech Tree for Sale? Make Sure You Have Room
Beech needs room more than anything. Before you buy an American beech tree for planting in your yard, make sure you have a spot at least 15 to 20 feet from the house, driveway, and septic lines. It prefers acidic soil that is loamy or sandy and drains well, so avoid compacted ground and heavy clay.
It grows in full sun or partial shade, and young trees cope with shade better than most large trees. Water it regularly until it is well settled; after that, a mature beech rarely needs extra water outside a long drought. Fall and early spring, while the tree is bare, are the best times to plant.
What to Expect as It Grows
The roots run shallow, and the canopy is dense, so grass thins out under a mature beech. Beyond a light trim now and then, it needs little pruning; just remove damaged or dead branches when you see them.
The tree produces small, three-sided beechnuts, an important food for birds and mammals, but not until it is about 40 years old. Birds nest in its branches and hollows, and it is a host plant for the rosy maple moth. Young trees often hold their dry, tan leaves through winter.
How Many to Plant and What to Plant With It
Most yards have room for one beech. Ordering our American beech tree online with the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer gives you a spare in case one doesn't take, or a second tree for a far corner of the property. For a grove or a long drive, buy 5 or more and space them 40 to 50 feet apart.
Underneath, choose plants that like shade and leaf litter, such as ferns, wild ginger, mayapple, and spring bulbs. Nearby, flowering dogwood and redbud look at home beside it.
Planting & Growing Information
Ships: Ships Between November 15-29
Planting Zone: 3-9
Height at Maturity: 50-70 Feet
Water Needs: Low
Sun or Shade: Full sun and Partial shade
Bloom Season: April through May
Care: To care for American Beech trees, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained, especially during the tree's early years. Mulch the base to keep moisture and protect roots. Trim in late winter to hold shape and remove dead branches.
Exposure: The American Beech Tree grows in full sun or partial shade, and young trees handle shade better than most large trees. It prefers a sheltered location to enjoy dappled sunlight or filtered light through the above-canopy.
Plant Attributes: Symbolism & cultural significance , Environmental benefits & low maintenance, Aesthetic beauty & wildlife habitat