Fagus sylvatica
English Oak
Common names: Common Oak, Oak Hedge
Photo: Malene Thyssen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
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Description
The common oak (Fagus sylvatica) is a classic hedge plant in gardens, growing into a dense, visually solid shrub that responds well to pruning. It is prized for its winter‑green foliage: the pale brown leaves remain on the branches until spring growth, providing winter privacy and structure. In autumn the leaves turn warm copper‑brown before entering dormancy. As a native shrub it also offers birds nesting sites and insects food. Note that the small, three‑pointed acorns are mildly toxic when eaten raw in large amounts and can cause stomach upset, so children should not snack on them directly from the tree.
Care instructions
Prune the oak hedge once in summer, ideally at the end of June (week 26), to keep it dense and visually solid. Young plants benefit from regular watering during the first two years, especially in dry summers; mature hedges manage well with normal rainfall. The soil should be fresh to moderately moist and tolerates lime well. A compost application around the root zone in spring aids new growth. Keep the lower part of the hedge free from heavy competing vegetation to allow air circulation and keep the leaves healthy.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, loamy, lime-loving, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
Pruning
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