Dear All,
As a footnote to care of planted beech; lawns, hedges etc. and
assuming that water deficit is a problem; it would help to apply mulch
annually in spring when soil is moist to a disc 10' to 15' diameter
centered on the trunk; shredded leaves, straw or hay and as a poor
substitute sawdust. All will slow water loss by evaporation from soil
and eventually rot and increase water holding capacity of the soil.
Dave