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Tips on Preparing to Plant the Perfect Hedge
from: Lawn and Garden MagicIf you've never planted a hedge, you may not know exactly where to start. Here are a few guidelines to simplify the hedge planting process:
The best time to plant is in the later autumn or early winter, so try to hold off utill then.
Make sure you choose a hedge that's right for your needs and climate. Decide exactly what purpose your hedge is going to serve, whether you merely want it to outline your property boundaries or to be a windscreen. Knowing this before you go shopping for shrubs and plants will make it easier to make the right choice. You should also determine what types of plants are suited to your climate. Check with your garden center to provide advice.
Determine how much time you have to devote to your hedges since hedges require some maintenance. Choose plants that fit your budget and your schedule. Fast growing plants aren't the best option for hedges because of the frequent clipping and pruning that will be required so it's better to choose slower growing hedge plants that require much less trimming and maintenance.
To prepare for planting, figure out your layout and know exactly where your hedges are going and how much space you want them to take up.
When selecting material for your hedges, go with young plants. Getting started with older plants won't really save you any time because they take longer to establish than new plants and they won't grow as close and dense as younger plants.
Color may also be an issue. Colorful hedges may seem attractive at first, but you could get tired of them. You might consider going with green hedges and then let the other plants in your garden add touches of color.
You should map out your hedge line well before starting to plant. Your hedges will be there for a long time, so take your time and do the job properly. Measure and layout your lines using string to get a straight line and then start digging. Dig to about one and a half times the width of the mature hedge. For example, you should dig a three-foot bed for a two-foot hedge and make sure you add plenty of compost to the soil to give the plants lots of nutrients.
When choosing the location for your hedges, avoid areas where water collects because bad drainage isn't healthy for your hedges. Therefore, avoid these spots or implement a system to improve the drainage.
Once the beds are dug, layout the plants so you know exactly where each one will go. This will ensure that your new hedge has even spacing all the way along. Keep your taunt line in place to check make sure your plants are straight.
Next, plant as you would any tree or shrub. Use a stake or shovel to ensure that none of the hedge plants are planted too deeply or not deeply enough.
As you work, make sure the plants don't get too dry. If you're planting your hedge in warm weather, keep your plants in the shade until the last possible moment. You might also put some hessian over top of your plants if sticking to the shade isn't an option.
After the hedge plants are in place, water them thoroughly and continue to water them well for about a year after planting.
Though it may be tempting to allow your new hedge plants to grow as rapidly and untouched as possible, try to encourage dense and close growth which can only be achieved by cutting them back a third in the first and second year. If you skip this, it could result in a hedge that's too open at the base.
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