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The benefits of planting hedges by Eamonn Wall horticulturalist
The number one reason for planting hedges is for privacy and the usual, to block out the neighbours line of vision. Frequently I am asked for the following: I want a hedge to grow to 1.8m (6ft), be evergreen and we need to have it as soon as possible, as there are new neighbours moving in. To avoid the panic syndrome of - We need hedge now and we need it yesterday, plant trees and hedges within the first year of moving into any house, whether it be new or old. You will be amazed just how fast small trees and hedges will establish, and this is especially important when planting on windy or exposed sites , where it can be difficult for larger plants to become established.
There are many benefits of planting hedges which tend to be overlooked, but need to be pointed out so people can understand the major role they play within our natural environs. The most important reason for planting hedges is the shelter they provide for both garden and houses. When you plant trees and hedges you are making an investment in your future, which will repay year after year. By providing shelter around a house and garden, tender plants are protected from damaging winds and they will grow twice as fast. On a financial note, with the correct planting of trees and hedges, heating bills are reduced as cooling winds are filtered away from dwelling and farm buildings.
We all know the benefits of natural hedgerows within the countryside, which provide shelter for wild life and nesting birds, so I dislike seeing hedges being cut during nesting season or trees been felled and replaced with barbed wire or electric fences.
We all know the consequences of not planting the right type of hedge after recent winters devastating frosts, so here are some of my recommendations.
Very windy and exposed sites: Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyma). Will withstand extreme frost.
Evergreen hedges for extreme frosts: Laurel (Prunus rotundifolia ), Elaeganus, Holly (Ilex), Box (Buxus sepervirens). Will survive -15/17degrees no problem.
Evergreen hedges for extreme coastal winds: Griselinia, Escallonia, Olearia, Euonymus. These hedges will not take extreme frosts, so they are perfect as seaside hedges.
The number one reason for planting hedges is for privacy and the usual, to block out the neighbours line of vision. Frequently I am asked for the following: I want a hedge to grow to 1.8m (6ft), be evergreen and we need to have it as soon as possible, as there are new neighbours moving in. To avoid the panic syndrome of - We need hedge now and we need it yesterday, plant trees and hedges within the first year of moving into any house, whether it be new or old. You will be amazed just how fast small trees and hedges will establish, and this is especially important when planting on windy or exposed sites , where it can be difficult for larger plants to become established.
There are many benefits of planting hedges which tend to be overlooked, but need to be pointed out so people can understand the major role they play within our natural environs. The most important reason for planting hedges is the shelter they provide for both garden and houses. When you plant trees and hedges you are making an investment in your future, which will repay year after year. By providing shelter around a house and garden, tender plants are protected from damaging winds and they will grow twice as fast. On a financial note, with the correct planting of trees and hedges, heating bills are reduced as cooling winds are filtered away from dwelling and farm buildings.
We all know the benefits of natural hedgerows within the countryside, which provide shelter for wild life and nesting birds, so I dislike seeing hedges being cut during nesting season or trees been felled and replaced with barbed wire or electric fences.
We all know the consequences of not planting the right type of hedge after recent winters devastating frosts, so here are some of my recommendations.
Very windy and exposed sites: Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyma). Will withstand extreme frost.
Evergreen hedges for extreme frosts: Laurel (Prunus rotundifolia ), Elaeganus, Holly (Ilex), Box (Buxus sepervirens). Will survive -15/17degrees no problem.
Evergreen hedges for extreme coastal winds: Griselinia, Escallonia, Olearia, Euonymus. These hedges will not take extreme frosts, so they are perfect as seaside hedges.
