Article DetailsHedging Plants Information |
| Date Added: March 26, 2010 09:50:09 AM |
| Author: Mick Hicks |
| Category: Nurseries| Tree Farms| Garden Centres |
| The information further down on this page may help you choose but please call or e-mail if you are not sure. Links to further information on the main groups of hedging plants and the most popular hedges we sell may be found on the left and right hand menus. HEDGE VERSUS FENCE AND WALL? Hedges, Fences and walls can all serve similar purposes – marking and maintaining boundaries, keeping children or pets contained or to provide a greater sense of privacy. It is fair to say we are a little biased! But here are some good reasons for choosing a hedge.Hedges have greater ‘kerbside appeal’ offering beauty and interest in all seasons while softening the lines of buildings making houses look more in keeping with their gardens. Hedges reduce strong wind by filtering them, solid fences and walls cause greater turbulence. Well grown prickly hedges provide better security than a fence or wall. Hedges filter dust, pollution and noise. A well maintained hedge will last hundreds of years, longer than any fence or most walls and at a fraction of the cost. Hedges provide a better quality of privacy, fences and high walls can give a sense of imprisonment. Hedges provide shelter and food for wildlife and are environmentally friendly. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HEDGE ‘Which plant makes the best hedge’?...one of the most common questions asked. The answer is a matter of both personal taste and the growing environment (soil, climate etc) in your garden. It can be helpful to look around to see the hedges that do well in nearby gardens with similar conditions to your own. We are very happy to identify and match any mystery hedge you might like, just e-mail a photo or post a few leaves with your name and phone number. These are some of the more important points to consider when choosing a hedge: SITE AND SOIL A newly planted hedge will need to thrive in its environment to grow and develop. Most hedges will grow in any reasonable soil but some have dislike of extreme conditions, for example Beech and Yew hate boggy wet conditions, Photinias and Pittosporum may suffer damage in very cold exposed gardens. All of this information may be found in the pages of our website and catalogue but please call or e-mail if you are not sure. FUTURE MAINTENANCE. Fast growing hedges will cover quickly giving privacy and screening in the shortest time. Often there are situations where fast growth is of prime importance but these vigorous hedges will require more frequent clipping in future years. There is often a strong case for using less vigorous hedging plants for example planting a Thuja hedge instead of Leylandii. TOXICITY AND SAFETY. Parts of some hedging plants are poisonous or may be very thorny making them unsuitable for some situations especially if you have young children. ROOT DAMAGE. The roots of some more vigorous hedging species have the potential to damage drains, driveways and foundations if planted close by. Professional advice (e.g. structural engineer) should be sought and followed if you think this might be an issue. PERSONAL CHOICE AND BUDGET. With the issues above covered you may have a ‘shortlist’ of suitable hedges. All that remains is to choose your favourite (or the plant you dislike the least!) and choose the size that best suits your budget. Below are details about the many different types of hedge and some recommendations of suitable hedging plants for these purposes which you may find useful but please call or e-mail us if you have any questions. BOUNDARY HEDGES Boundary hedges are by far the most practical way of marking the limits of your plot containing pets/children and keeping out unwanted visitors while adding character and value to your property. Boundary hedging is not just cheaper than a fence or wall, it will be longer lasting and a more effective filtering barrier to wind and noise. A hedge will provide a higher quality of privacy bringing a sense of seclusion to your garden. SECURITY HEDGES Security hedging will often perform similar functions as boundary hedging but with a greater priority placed in keeping out intruders.While many species will provide security, hedging plants with thorns will always be the most effective deterrent. While they are undoubtedly more hostile many of these hedge plants may also provide a beautiful living tapestry of colour for much of the year. |
