Planting a tricolor beech in clay soil - Ask Extension
Hi. We hope to plant a tricolor beech (2” caliper) tree in our backyard this Fall here in SW Michigan (zone 6). In this location, it will have morn...
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Planting a tricolor beech in clay soil #706997
Asked July 29, 2020, 2:23 PM EDT
Hi. We hope to plant a tricolor beech (2” caliper) tree in our backyard this Fall here in SW Michigan (zone 6). In this location, it will have morning sun and some afternoon shade. The soil has a lot of clay. I plan on preparing the site 3-4x larger than root ball and adding 5% compost under the root and plant it about 6” above the level of the other soil (in a gradual mound). Might this be ok so roots are not too wet? The approach worked well on a nearby Chinese dogwood.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Tricolor beech prefers a part-shade location in moist well-drained soil;
it does not tolerate wet, dense soils. It can be a wide tree, so give
it plenty of space when choosing a location. Although considered less
fussy than other beeches,
tricolor often reacts badly to urban conditions or salty soils.
It prefers cooler climates with an average high temperature that doesn't exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most beech trees grow in forests and prefer partial to total shade. Full
sunlight may burn their leaves or stunt their growth. Tricolor beech is
best suited as an understory tree and part shade conditions.
Keep in mind that tricolor beech is
intolerant of salt in soil or water. Do not plant it near sidewalks,
streets, or driveway where deicing salts are used. This tree reacts
badly to wide fluctuations in soil moisture. It is best to mulch around the base of the tree, or use this space for
ground covers or other plantings since the prominent surface roots make
it hard to mow grass. Tricolor beech has both male and female flowers on
the same tree and will produce edible beechnuts that can be harvested.
If you have not done so, I suggest you conduct a toil test. Tricolor beech like acidic soil: 5 to 6.5; slightly acidic but tolerates neutral soils. A soil test would expose any soil
imbalances. It is possible amendments could be needed but the lab would
issue a report advising exactly what is needed for optimum growth.
Self-mailer soil test kits from the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab are available. You can obtain them at the link below. Full instructions are there and also come with the kits. The cost is $25. The Lab will make recommendations for any needed soil amendments.
https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm
These trees have relatively shallow roots, so your amended soil in the planting area and raised location may be sufficient. However, it cannot be guaranteed. Do not cultivate around the root system. Make sure mulch is no thicker
than 3-4" and keep away from the base of the trunk.
This can be a tough tree to keep happy, especially considering your clay soil and afternoon sun. Normally in your situation, I would not recommend planting a tricolor beech. With your soil amendments, the only way to know for sure is to try it. However you may be leaving yourself open for a lot of maintenance and TLC and possibly disappointment.
