How to Care for a Hedge

The days when the term "hedge" most commonly referred to a row of trimmed thujas are long gone. Today, hedges are much more diverse. Architects aren't afraid to experiment and plant many species of ornamental shrubs as hedges. Before you decide to experiment yourself, ask yourself a few basic questions to find the right plant for your hedge.

Consider primarily:

• desired hedge height

• trimmed or untrimmed hedge (maintenance requirements)

• deciduous or coniferous hedge (autumn leaf cleanup)

• green or colorful (with flowers and fruits)

• purpose of the hedge (shading, separating an area, decoration...)

• and of course, don't forget to consider existing plantings in the garden so the new hedge fits in

Hedges can be divided by height into tall, medium-height and low. Tall hedges are most commonly planted around the garden to prevent curious glances from passersby, catch dust from nearby roads, or define property boundaries. Medium-height hedges can divide or separate certain spaces in the garden. Low hedges serve as borders, bed edging, or as complements to flower plantings. A privacy screen made from climbing beans can also be considered a specific form of hedge. Their great advantage is rapid growth. However, beans are more suitable for local shading of a gazebo or seating area. Some tree species are shaped and require regular maintenance (trimming), while others only need trimming once a year. Therefore, consider how much time you want to dedicate to maintaining your hedge, so that ultimately it won't be a garden nightmare rather than an ornament. With deciduous hedges, you need to account for clearing fallen leaves in autumn, and the hedge will be see-through during winter. Colorful hedges can liven up any garden. Many shrubs are used for hedges for their colorful foliage, flowers and distinctive fruits. The purpose of the hedge is also an important criterion. Hedges bordering the garden should be taller, dividing ones are usually lower... When deciding, don't forget to look around - the hedge should harmonize with other plantings, the house style and surroundings.

Advantages and disadvantages of individual plants

Eastern Arborvitae (lat. Thuja occidentalis)

+ grows very quickly

+ year-round green shrub, doesn't shed

+ can be shaped according to templates

- requires quality, moist and weed-free soil

- thins out and becomes stunted in shady locations

- remains the same throughout the year

- very difficult to rejuvenate

- garden designers tend to move away from it (colorful fences are more in trend)

Use: garden edging, barrier against street dust, screen against curious glances of passers-by

Japanese Quince (lat. Chaenomeles japonica)

+ flowering shrub, decorated with red flowers

+ doesn't require regular trimming

+ it's a robust shrub (1 - 2 m tall, up to 3 m wide)

+ tolerates direct sun and partial shade

- requires calcareous and moist soil

- deciduous shrub

Use: versatile use, suitable also as a partial screen

Paraguayan Holly (lat. Ilex paraguariensis)

+ evergreen shrub

+ leaves can be harvested (for preparing mate tea)

+ flowering plant

- requires shady location protected from strong wind

Use: rather for partial screening

Sea Buckthorn (lat. Hippophae rhamnoides)

+ changes throughout the year (orange berries)

+ silver leaves

+ berries are medicinal (considered a plant of the future)

+ undemanding on soil

- sea buckthorn is a dioecious plant, to obtain berries you need to plant both male and female plants (1:6)

- deciduous shrub

Use: rather for partial screening

English Lavender (lat. Lavandula augustifolia)

+ ornamental herb, fragrant

+ medicinal effects

+ frost-resistant and perennial herb

- low-growing

Use: bed edging, visual division of the garden

Scarlet Runner Bean (lat. Phaseolus coccineus)

+ fast growth

+ colorful flowers (red or white)

+ decorated with pods too

- annual plant

- rather for partial screening

Use: screening pergolas and seating areas from passers-by's eyes

Hedge Planting

The ideal time for planting a hedge is early spring or autumn, while container-grown plants can be planted almost year-round. Generally, it's better to plant deciduous plants in autumn and conifers in spring. Before planting a hedge, clear the selected area of weeds and grass. Then use a string line to mark out the bed, so you can plant your hedge in a straight line. Next, dig a trench approximately 20 cm deep (depending on the root ball of the plants) or holes about 40 cm in diameter along the string line. Planting in a trench is more convenient as you can easily adjust the spacing between individual plants. Water the dug trench or holes thoroughly. Since the soil is often of poor quality, it's advisable to cover the bottom with growing medium or compost. Never fertilize with fresh manure, as this would burn the plant roots!!! Space out the plants in the trench according to their species. Place the plants in the marked positions and cover with soil. For better results, you can add a Silva tabs tablet for ornamental shrubs to each plant. Plant so that they are appropriately buried in the soil. After planting, water the plants thoroughly and continue to water the hedge regularly. If there's little snow, remember to water the hedge even in winter.

Hedge Trimming

Trimming is an essential part of hedge care. Without regular trimming, the hedge would be sparse and unsightly. Hedge trimming is not complicated - you'll need double-sided and anvil hedge shears. You can purchase quality shears in our e-shop. If you'll be trimming hedges around your entire garden, it's worth investing in electric shears. For individual shrubs, cut back protruding branches - new branches will sprout at the cut site. If you're trimming a longer hedge, it's useful to mark the line, for example using a string. Trim flowering hedges after they bloom. Prune fruiting and deciduous shrubs during their dormant period (from November to March). Maintain evergreen shrubs from September until the first frosts. Dense hedges should be shaped to taper towards the top. This shape speeds up water runoff and allows more light to reach the lower branches. Don't start trimming until it's clear that the plants have established and are growing.

Remember!

You won't create a dense hedge by planting plants close together - density is achieved through regular trimming.