Planting, creating hedges & hedge plants

One of the secrets of growing a good hedge is the initial set-up of your hedge.    Many people take a "try and see approach" when planting a hedge.    However, we have found this to be the major error people make when planting a hedge.    Have a good think about all the factors that may impact of the growth of your hedge, before you plant.    Hedges generally last many years and it is difficult to dig out your hedge, if it is not doing what you had imagined.    One of the tricks to choosing your hedge is to see what hedges are growing in your local area.   This will give you a pretty good starting point.    At least you know that the plant will grow in your region.     Do some research, particularly on pests and soil conditions.    Another tip to growing a good hedge is to do with the size of your hedge. Pick a hedge which will grow to around the height you want.    It will cut down on hassles later if you do this and reduce maintenance.   Many times even experienced gardeners will choose plants for hedges which do grow much taller than the required height, this is generally because they are quick growing or suited to the soil conditions.    The drawback to this is that the hedge in questions may need more and regular maintenance to keep in under control. 

 

We find that when planting a new hedge, it is best to place one plant after another, in a straight line.    Some gardeners stagger their hedge plants, in a zig-zag layout.   We find that this has many drawbacks particularly to do with the final look and shape of the hedge.   Doing a shape like this tends to make the hedge very broad and leaves gaps in the hedge.   Spacing of hedge plants is of primary importance.   When deciding how to space your hedge investigate two major issues :  1. How tall you want the hedge to grow 2. How tall will the plant you have chosen grow.    Basically, when working out spacing the trick is "the lower you want the hedge to grow, the closer you plant it,  the taller you want the hedge to grow the further you space the plants apart"    This is particularly true of tall hedges, if you place them too close together, plants may be stunted and produce weak growth.    Generally it is worth talking to your local nurseryman regards the layout of your hedge for your area.    It could save you a lot of time and effort and make the job look more attractive in the end. 

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