DIY: Planting A Hedge
Did you ever think to yourself “I just wish I had some privacy from the world around me or I really wish I didn’t have to look at that electrical box in the backyard”? You’re not alone! Sometimes a wall isn’t practical or maybe your homeowners association won’t allow you to install a fence in a certain section of your yard. A natural screen such as a hedge may be just what you need!
Planting a hedge as a natural barrier is not a new concept. As a matter of fact excavations in ancient Egypt have found that plants were used for just this purpose. A hedge can be a simple and cost-effective alternative to walls or fences and they add an attractive visual element to your garden. If you would like to plant a hedge but you’re not sure how to start here are some tips you can use:
- Ask yourself what is the problem planting a hedge is going to solve? The reason you ask this question is because it can dictate what plants you consider for this project. For example, if the goal is to create a barrier and deter unwelcome visitors than a thorny bush might be the best choice. If you are looking for privacy or a noise barrier than a tall, evergreen shrub would be something you should consider.
- How much ongoing maintenance are you willing to invest? A privet hedge looks beautiful but there is a great deal of regular trimming that is required to maintain it. If you don’t have much time to spend trimming your hedge than a slow growing, more informal look such as are provided by Azaleas or Hydrangeas might be a better option.
Next Steps In Planting A Hedge
After you’ve decided on the plants you are going to use when planting your hedge the next step is to start assessing where it will be planted. Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
- You’ll need to take measurements so you can determine how many plants you will need for when planting your hedge. Height is one consideration but you also need to keep in mind how wide will the plants grow when they reach maturity. If you don’t allow for the right spacing between the plants they will look crowded and it will provide an environment for diseases due to inadequate air circulation.
- Now that you’ve obtained the right number of shrubs it is time to plant them. You should remove the sod and then arrange the plants in a linear or curved pattern depending upon where you are planting them. If you are only installing a few plants you can just dig holes right where you have placed the shrubs but if you are planting a significant number of plants digging a trench that is 2 feet deep and 2 to 3 feet wide can make this task a little easier.
- Once the shrubs are in place you should water them well and in the summer months a mulch will maintain moisture in the soil and keep weeds down while the shrubs get acclimated. Depending upon the shrub you have selected you may not need to do much pruning but if you’ve chosen a fast growing plant such as a Shrub Rose or Forsythia pruning will be needed to maintain the shape you are seeking.
If you have any questions about installing a hedge or need suggestions on plants that might be good for your location please feel free to contact us through our website.
bruntdog44@gmail.com Nov 13
What kind of natural fertilizer
Will depend on the type of shrub you are using. Let us know what type of shrub you are considering.