With the feel of Autumn upon us it is
now time to start thinking about getting that new hedgerow planted. We can offer a full range of bare root
hedging in a range of sizes to suit all budgets.
If you wish to create a hedge which is really dense and bushy from the
ground upwards it is advisable to plant young, small plants, typically 40-60cm
high. Many people look at the small bare rooted seedlings and imagine it will
take years before they will achieve anything that looks like a hedge, but this
is not the case and if larger plants are chosen the result can often be that
the hedge is rather sparse at the base. Also larger plants are more expensive
and are more likely to fail than small ones.
If you have a rabbit problem then it is also advisable to put a guard
around the plant during the first few years.
Ideally some of the seedlings should be allowed to grow into trees along
the hedgerow as this will encourage birds and other wildlife.
If possible, get the preparation done before the
winter planting season - while the weather and soil is still warm. If you need
to improve the structure of the soil, incorporate generous quantities of
compost, such as well-rotted garden compost or well-rotted farmyard manure if
the situation allows this. If the soil has poor drainage you could add sharp
sand or coarse grit (make sure it is lime-free). If this preparation is done in
advance of planting the soil can then settle and will be workable when you come
to put the plants in during the winter. Even if the soil is cold and frosty on
the surface, it will be relatively easy to turn over if it has been correctly
prepared. If the plants arrive and the
weather is too bad to plant them they can be kept in a small trench for a few
weeks until the weather improves (all packaging to be removed first!)
When planting and caring for a new hedge it is very important to follow
the correct pruning and planting instructions and Steve can offer advice on
this if needed.
A typical English hedgerow is made up of:
40% Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
20% Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)
10% Acer campestre (Field maple)
10% Viburnum opulus (Guelder rose)
10% Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
10% Rosa canina (Dogrose)
