Frequently Asked Questions
Why plant a hedge?
-Privacy;
If it’s privacy you’re after, most people would rather see a hedge than a flat wall or fence. Many hedging species can reach a good height very quickly.
-Boundary marking;
Most boundaries are marked in one way or another. As hedges are available in such variety, there should be a size, price and look to suit everyone. Hedges are softer on the eye than walls and fences and cheaper too!
-Shelter;
A hedge can soften strong winds whereas a fence or wall can channel and increase wind through your garden.
-Security;
Any prickly hedge will provide some deterrent to intruders to your property.
-Long lasting;
If you choose well and plant and maintain your hedge, particularly in the first few years, your hedge can last a lifetime, or longer.
-Wildlife;
Hedging is a great environment for wildlife and often provides a in an ever increasing urban sprawl. Native species are a haven, as are hedges that flower or berry. Leylandii too is a favourite with birds.
-Pollution;
Many hedge species are pollution tolerant, as well as filtering pollution in the air, particularly near roads.
-Which plants should I use to screen out my neighbours, and obtain privacy?
An evergreen hedge will be ideal. Options include Laurel, Photinia and evergreen Oak. Leylandii are also fine, as long as they are regularly trimmed.
-I want to plant a traditional countryside hedge. Which plants should I use?
Bareroot plants are the most cost effective method. These are available between November and March when they are dormant. A good mix would be 80% Hawthorn and 5% of four other species. These would be planted in a d double row containing five plants per metre.
-I live in an area where heavy clay soil is predominant, which plants will thrive on this type of soil?
Nearly all the hedging listed on hedgingtoyourdoor.co.uk will thrive on clay soil. Beech does prefer lighter soils, but with care will establish very well. Hornbeam is particularly good for clay soils.
-I am considering establishing a hedge that will also act as a security barrier. Which plants would be best?
Hawthorn would be the best choice from the bareroot availability plants. Planted in a double row at five plants per metre, it will create an impenetrable barrier. Holly and Pyracantha should also deter any undesirables!
-What sort of preparation should I do before I start planting my hedge?
The planting strip should be free of weeds and grass. The soil should be loose and friable, and free from compaction.
-What should I do to ensure my hedge continues to thrive?
During the first growing season, the hedgerow will need watering daily. Do not overwater. Little and often, to retain moisture, is the aim. Keep your hedgerow free from weed growth. Adding a mulch of approximately 2-4” in depth will accelerate growth. Woodchips, bark or black polythene will all do the job.
-What do I need to do to protect my plants?
To guard against rabbits, you may need a spiral guard and bamboo cane for the bareroot plants and a shrub shelter and stake for the bushier containerised plants.
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What type of hedge should I plant?
These are the things that you should consider when planting a hedge:
Eventual height-
Before you can buy plants, you will need to consider how large you want your hedge to be eventually. This can vary greatly from small Box to very tall Leylandii. Bear in mind though that it is possible to keep most things clipped to the required height.
Soil type-
Most hedging plants will thrive in any fertile, well-drained soil, but there are a few exceptions so consider your soil type before choosing your hedge. For example, Beech will thrive on lighter soils, whereas Hornbeam prefer clay.
Aspect-
Again most hedging plants will survive in most conditions, most will survive semi-shade, but planting in full shade can be a problem for some.
Personal perference-
This varies enormously and is a big factor in choosing a hedging species, but be careful to choose something that will flourish in the garden or site that you have.
Budget-
As a rule, slower growing species are more expensive, especially in the larger sizes. Bare root plants are very economical but are only availiable during the dormant season and are nearly all decidous.
Special considerations-
Some hedges will have to tolerate extreme conditions, whether it be coastal exposure or a damp site. The key is to plant a hedge that can cope with these conditions, otherwise it will never look healthy and may not survive.
Some other things to consider are:
-Wildlife
-Native
-Fast grower
-Flowers or berries
-Evergreen
-Foilage and stem colour
-Some hedging species are much more vigorous than others. You should consult a structural engineer if you are planting a hedge and would like advice about roots near a property.
How long will it take for my plants to arrive after I order?
Usually, the plants will be despatched within 48 hours of your order being placed.
How soon should I plant my hedging after it arrives?
Bareroot hedging should be planted within a couple of days of delivery. Plants in containers can be kept much longer if they receive regular watering.
Any tips on successful establishment?
Bareroot plants-
- Do not allow roots to dry out before planting.
- Do not plant deeper than the nursery soil mark.
- Heel the plants in very, very firmly.
- Keep weed free during the summer.
Containerised plants-
- Dig planting pit one and a half times the size of the pot.
- Do not plant deeper than the pot of the pot.
- Keep well watered throughout the growing season.
