Trees are incredible plants that give some much to us and our planet including oxygen and they also help to prevent erosion and flooding in some areas of the country. There are many different types of tree and you only have to look at all the different types of wood available from Southampton Timber Merchants like http://www.timbco.co.uk/ to realise what a vast world there is of trees.
Beech trees are one type of tree that is grown for its wood and there are many furniture items that are made from this beautiful wood. Here are some interesting facts about the world of beech trees.
- They have a lifespan of between 150 and 400 years and a mature tree can reach heights of up to 50 metres of 164 feet. This depends on the species of beech tree.
- Most beech trees have a light grey coloured bark that is smooth to touch.
- These trees are incredibly sturdy and it takes a lot to bring them down.
- They have short trunks and very wide canopy. The leaves are a beautiful green colour with tiny hairs on the outside. As the leaves age they darken in colour and lose their hairs. The leaves are around 15 centimetres long and 10 centimetres wide.
- Beech trees produce both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are called catkins and they are blown away in the wind. The flowers appear in the Spring following the luscious new green leaves.
Keeping trees like beech free from disease
Like any tree, a beech can fall victim to disease. Trees are attacked by fungi, bacteria and insects, and some of these problems can be serious or even fatal if they are not dealt with. Most tree diseases are specific to certain species, and they also vary by season and from region to region.
Fungal growth is one of the main warning signs. Fungi can appear on the leaves, stems, trunk and branches, and growths on the trunk or branches can lead to wood decay and damage the tree’s internal structure. As the fungus spreads, the tree weakens and becomes more vulnerable to other diseases and conditions.
Because problems are not always easy to spot, it is a good idea to have an experienced arborist look over your trees from time to time. Regular checks help catch disease early, protecting the tree and anything nearby that could be damaged if it were to fail.
Threats to the health of beech trees
For all their beauty, beech trees face several threats. Drought is one of the most serious. Beech does best in cool conditions, and where rainfall is low the trees can struggle and fail to produce their fine foliage, so trees in drier spots benefit from extra care during long dry spells.
Leaf blight and other fungal diseases can also affect beech. These spread from tree to tree, so it pays to inspect the leaves regularly and deal with any signs of blight before it takes hold. Where treatment is needed, a suitable fungicide can help.
Insects are the other main concern. If a garden has a lot of insect activity, pests can get into nearby beech trees and feed on healthy tissue, weakening them and leaving them open to disease. Keeping an eye on the trees and tackling infestations early is the best way to keep them healthy, and a qualified tree surgeon can advise if problems appear.
