beech hedging
By Janecowling
London,
United Kingdom 
I planted a bare rooted beech hedge last year. It has done well and is now 3 foot tall. I want the hedge to grow to about 7 foot, but I also want the hedge to fill out and become 'bushier'. If I prune the top of the hedge to encourage thicker growth, will it still grow as tall as I want? Does anyone have any pruning tips on how to achieve this? Thanks
9 Nov, 2008
Answers
I am not an expert on this but I believe that light pruning , on the top too, is the way to get a good bushy hedge. And yes it will continue to grow taller.
10 Nov, 2008
To avoid a leggy or top heavy hedge, I would also prune the lateral or side shoot as well as the top. This will encourage the plants to thicken up at the base in the spring.
17 Nov, 2008
I would say take out the tips of every other one, to a node, wood just thick enough to have to use secateurs. Good time to plant now, I've ordered 50 to plant soon.
9 Nov, 2008