Group Beech Question? Difficulty Level.

DavidJinPA

Hello All
Its great to find such a wonderful amount of info. I only have about three years of bonsai experince under my belt., and I want to start a group planting of European Beech. Would this be a wise choice for me? I have a group planting of maples that love my attention (maybe luck), and was wondering if beech would be a good choice. Does the beech need any more attention as compaired to maples? I would like to pick a tree that is a good choice for me (area/experince), and I want one that has white bark for that stunning effect. But I am still unsure. Any help would be appreciated. Tree species recommendations are quit welcome too. Thanks. DJ

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TreeBay

If I were you at this point, I would get some saplings and go ahead and start the grove, but I would not invest a lot of $ in the material. Getting some young plants started will let you learn their habits.

In your area I suspect beech will grow well, but they aren't nearly as robust as Maples or Elms. Here in Sunny California, beech need some protection in the summer. If you wanted to buy some interesting material, with an excellent prospect for success, I think Elm or Korean hornbeam would be good candidates.

Regards,

Matt

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DavidN

To get the white beech trunks takes quite a bit of time. What Matt suggests is a very good idea. Start with seedlings and see how they perform in your area. If they don't struggle then invest in better more aged material and work on those tree for a future group.

David

DavidJinPA

Thanks, David, and Matt. The educated call will help in my jugment. I think I will try either the Elm or the Hornbeam instead of the beech. They seem like they will handle my south eastern PA conditions alittle better than the Beech in a shallow pot. Seems the Hornbeams may grow alittle faster, and with more charicter also. I can't wait for spring to come. I have lots of plans in my mind. Again Thanks.
>>>-----> Dave J in PA.
P.S. You guys have some sweat trees. Love the pic's.
Keep posting them pic's.
They inspire us novices to excel.

DavidJinPA

OK, I'm back again. Still looking for knowledge. I have done some research, and I am still unsure of the best tree/species choice. From what I have read (many places) on the Elm, and Hornbeam. Neither of them sound like they would do well in a cold environment in a shallow pot. Is there a certain one that can take the cold winter months the best?
What type of elm is the hardiest?
Is the American Hornbeam the most hardy of the hornbeam species?
Which would be best for moderate moisture conditions?
Thanks.
Dave J.

DavidN

Sorry David but I live in a Zone 9+ climate and it is hard to give you advice on something that I have never tried. However I really do think chinese elms are harder or would be hardy in zone 6. If not you can always use a cold storage place that I hear so much about for people in cold zones.

David

Jay

Hi I live in Zone 5b/6a. I have both Hornbeam(Carpinus Coreana) and Elms(Ulmus Parvifolia). I overwinter mine in an unheated garage. They have all done extremely well. They are fairly hardy and enjoy their dormancy.

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DavidJinPA

No apoligy needed DavidN, but thanks though. It seems to be pretty difficult to select a zone specific speciesfor my area.
Maybe the siberian elm, but I still don't know what type of branching this type produces, and how trainable it is.
I would like a deciduous tree that has good branching, and ramification, and only needs moderate to fair watering. Also a tree that can tolerate root temps to say 25 deg. From what I've read about the elms, and the hornbeams, there roots also seem to dispise a freeze thaw freeze condition like in my area.
All I need is more input i guess. but I do want to stay away for local species. I have enough of them started, and wanted more variety.
Thanks All.
Dave J.

DavidJinPA

Well, since you all have given me such good insight, and I have had time to research a bit more. I thought I'd fill you in on this projects future. Since the weather has became so unpredictable over the winters, I have started the building of my first cold frame shelter for my trees (that need it). Since I will now have this I ordered Chinese Elm seeds for my next group/forest planting. I also stumbled upon some Siberian Elm seeds. They seem like they can take some seriously harsh conditions, and they also seem to have a shrubby type of branching habit. Plus they are a moderatly fast growing tree. So I thought WOW the perfect specimen for Root Over Rock. (More past experience from anyone else will still be appreciated.) Now all I need is the coming of spring!!!!! Dave J.