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When to Prune a Copper Weeping Beech?

Known for its elegant form and purple leaves that turn shiny copper in fall, the copper weeping beech (Fagus sylvatica "Purpurea Pendula") strikes a beautiful note in nearly any setting. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 7, the tree can be pruned at different times of the year. But before you take the plunge into those pendulous branches, first understand how that weeping form came to be.

  1. Where the Weeping Begins

    • First introduced in the 1800s, copper weeping beech had an unusual start. The tree was created when a copper beech failed to develop a trunk and remained prostrate. An adventurous gardener grafted the plant onto an upright rootstock to give the tree its trunk. Still top-grafted in this manner, copper weeping beech never forms a single leader. This helps maintain its weeping form. The graft that unites the two trees is usually about shoulder height and hidden by the weeping branches. This union limits the mature tree to a height of 10 to 12 feet, with a similar weeping spread.

    When to Dive In

    • Pruning copper weeping beech can be challenging due to its dense branching and weeping shape. In late winter, without foliage to interfere, it's much easier to see which branches you should remove. However, sap runs heavily in beech trees that time of year. Pruning then won't hurt the tree, but it can leave unsightly dried sap behind. The weeping branches hide the sap once foliage returns, but you can avoid it by waiting to prune until after leaves open. You can also wait until early winter when the tree first goes dormant, and prune it then.

    How to Keep the Weeping Form

    • Pruned well in its formative years, copper weeping beech needs little pruning once mature. Focus your efforts on the top-grafted part of the tree; never cut into the trunk below the graft. Pruning shears work well for small branches. For larger branches, use a pruning saw. Prevent the spread of disease by sterilizing blades before and after every cut. Remove any branches growing straight up, so the weeping form stays intact. Before moving to your next cut, always step back and examine the tree's overall form. Ensure the crown remains balanced all around. Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches that rub others. Trim tips from branches dragging on the ground.

    Beyond the Branches

    • Stake an immature copper weeping birch so the trunk can grow strong and develop girth. The weeping top grows heavy. This can cause a young, unsupported trunk to bend. The young tree's smooth, gray bark is also sensitive to sun. Protect it with tree wrap if it's exposed. Once leaves open, foliage protects it well. Provide a sunny location to maximize purple and copper foliage, but balance it with consistently moist, well-drained soil. Plant copper weeping beech in a location where you intend it to stay. Once established, it prefers not to be disturbed.

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