Fast-growing tree gardeners can plant in April has 'wavy edged leaves' all year round

Many gardeners prefer growing and small , particularly those that produce tasty fruit like . Trees are often an afterthought, with few opting to grow one themselves. On average, trees take 10 to 40 years or more to reach full maturity, but some fast-growing varieties will reward with rapid growth of one to two feet per year.

One such tree is the common beech (Fagus sylvatica), an unusual tree in the UK as it's considered native only to the South-East of England and Wales. Experts at the Woodland Trust said: "The wavy-edged leaves of beech turn a coppery-bronze in autumn."

They added: "The crisp leaves stay on the tree throughout winter until they are pushed off by new leaf growth the following spring."

As a great alternative to an evergreen hedge, there's good reason to plant a common beech in your garden. And April is the perfect time to do it.

This beautiful tree is best planted in the dormant season, ideally between late autumn (October-November) and early spring (March-April), especially for bare-root trees.

The common beech tree can be grown as a majestic standalone feature or shaped into a colourful, fast-growing hedge.

How to grow a common beech tree

Getting young trees in the ground during spring allows them to establish before the summer warmth.

The Woodland Trust said the beech trees grow well in sun or partial shade on almost any well-drained soil. However, they are not suitable for waterlogged sites.

Common beech can grow to 25m (80ft) and spread to 15m (50ft), so check the space in your garden before planting.

Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth equivalent to the height of the rootball and over a wide area to improve drainage.

Spread the roots out of bare-root plants to gauge their spread. There's no need to trim or tease them out.

Dig a planting hole no deeper than the roots but ideally at least three times the root system's diameter.

Break up any compact soil on the sides of the planting hole with a fork before planting.

If planting in a grassed area, the Royal Horticultural Society suggests a square hole within a mowing circle for ease of mowing around the plant and to aid root penetration in heavy soils.

The RHS said: "Soak bare-rooted trees or shrubs for about 30 minutes before planting."

Place the tree or shrub in the planting hole so the first flare of roots is level with the soil surface when planting is complete. Avoid planting too deep, as this can lead to poor establishment.

Refill the planting hole, placing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets. Gently firm the soil and water in.

Where necessary, protect from deer or rabbit damage using tree spirals, chicken wire guards or similar.

Fresh lime-green leaves unfurl in spring, deepening to a glossy green in summer before transitioning to a rich copper in autumn.

Even in winter, hedged beech trees often retain their leaves, adding texture and colour to otherwise bare landscapes.