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Planting Guide for Tricolor Beech Trees

The common beech tree, or Fagus sylvatica, is a deciduous tree that can grow to 40 feet in height. It originates from northern Europe and is naturalized in the northeastern U.S. Tricolor cultivars of the beech tree, including "Tricolor," "Purpurea Tricolor" and "Roseomarginata," are named for the foliage color: purple, white and pink in addition to various shades of green. These trees have a relatively narrow range and are generally hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 7.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Peat
  • Tree shears
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a planting site for the tricolor beech tree. The seedlings prefer partial shade, although the mature tree can withstand full sun. The planting site should also be prone to early morning fog, as tricolor beeches require high humidity.

    • 2

      Dig a planting hole that is at least three times the width of the tree's root ball and at least as deep. Loosen the soil to ensure good drainage and add peat if necessary to lower the soil pH below 8. This tree grows best in loam but tolerates a range of soil types.

    • 3

      Remove the tricolor beech tree from its nursery container without disturbing the roots. Place the tree in the hole and adjust its position so that the tree's soil line is level with the surface of the soil.

    • 4

      Fill the hole with soil and pack it down to ensure the roots make good contact with the soil. Water the tree with at least 1 inch of water to ensure the moisture reaches the roots.

    • 5

      Water the tricolor beech tree with 1 to 2 inches of water during the growing season, from spring through fall. Ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, as this tree cannot tolerate standing water.

    • 6

      Prune any dead or diseased branches with tree shears. The best time to do this is in late winter while the tree is still dormant but there is no risk of extremely cold weather.