Fagus sylvatica 'Tricolor' weeping

The leader and a few side branches are weeping. I can't say for sure when this started. Maybe it was gradual or maybe its been like this awhile and I have zoned out, or maybe it just happened this week... But why? And will it straighten up?

Spring started out very dry for March & April. May was very wet, with 8" of rain in 3 days a couple of weeks ago

The lawn was only mildly fertilized. I overseeded the lawn and put down a starter fertilizer with lower nitrogen. I may have given the tree some tree food earlier (8-8-8). Don't remember for sure, but I probably did.

The light grass around the edge is from the mower guys trimming too close. I have spoken to them about it.

2 more pics coming

another view

I think this is the leader

p-holic2:

That looks like every diminutive tricolor beech I've ever seen. You just need to let it grow up. And it will, in time.

If the leaning leader is loathsome...slap a stick alongside. You can "train" your central stem with a piece of bamboo (or some such) tied to the straight stiff portion of the trunk for a season or two, so that it trends vertically.

Everything else you've mentioned sounds like OK culture. You could even keep eliminating more grass, over time, so there's less competition with your beech. In MA, though, I think beech can grow well with their eyes closed, branches tied behind their backs, and hopping on one trunk.

Oh, I forgot to mention I have had this for 3 years. It was staked for one year at about 4' high. I just looked closely and tried to estimate the height of the tip of the leader if it was straight and I think it would be about 9'-10' high. And what about all the side branches weeping. If they have a straight portion to attach bamboo to, that will surely be a funny looking tree!!!

And will the same problem occur later at higher (wider) points when the stakes come off? I wonder if the weeping part now is a result of earlier staking the lower portion?

Or is this behavior typical for this tree? Or do I have some sort of genetic mutation producing 'Pendula Tricolor'

Young foliage on beeches is usually droopy like this. It'll straighten up as the summer goes on - no need to tie it up at all.

Of course by mid summer, all the pink parts of the leaves will have turned crispy brown and 'orrible-looking . . .

Resin

Where on the internet might I purchase a Tri Color Beech?

Thanks, Deb

Monrovia sells them.

I live in a very small town....when I go to the monrovia site it just gives me locations where I might purchase. Is there an actual place on the internet where i might order?

Thanks, Deb

Debsroots:

Take a look in PlantFiles here:

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58512/

There is reference to 3 vendors selling this plant.

Thanks for your help

Deb

I think the 'Tricolor' is a weeper from the get go.
sheri

Nitrogen may have been high last year and growth excessive and you soil may lack some K+. I always add a smidgen of wood ash in the compost I put on the trees for the first 5 years to help with the droops. You need to be careful because the ash is something that raises PH. I use about a tablespoon in a pail of compost. I suspect that its location is receiving lots of N for the lawn.

Most places will sell Roseomarginata as Tricolor.

Roseomarginata will have a pyramidal growth to a somewhat pointed crown. Will grow to approx. 30-35'. Has 2 colors purples and shades of pink. If the plant is in the shade, then the leaves will was out and the pink colors will turn to a pale white. This is where people think that the tree is really Tricolor.

Tricolor will have a more rounded shape to a rounded crown. Will grow to approx.
20-25'. Green leaves are marked white and edged pink.

Tricolor is somewhat rare in this country where it is more readily available in Europe.

Both trees will burn in the sun starting around mid July. If at all possible a filtered sunlight would be the best place to plant the trees.

In no way is Tricolor a weeper.

Dave

Wait. I will go get my new catalog and share the info with you about the
tricolour weeping.
Perhaps its another case of a mistaken identity?
sheri