Hedges are among the most common types of plants for any garden providing a wonderful focal point cut to the desired shape or as a privacy hedge in a tall dense mix or shrub form. Choosing the right type of plant is an important factor when determining the rate at which growth will take place including evergreen or deciduous vegetation. Learning how long does a hedge take to grow requires a look at the different species and the provision of the perfect soil and light conditions.
A hedge is a type of shrub ranging from the box hedges to beautiful flowered plants attracting birds and other types of fauna in your garden. The secrete to raising fast growing vegetation is knowing when to prune and ensuring that you have provided well prepared soil for all additions. Most plants require a fair amount of natural light including well drained soil to prevent the roots from sitting in water logged ground.
Deciduous shrubs including Beech and Hawthorn are easy to take care of and develop quite rapidly. Deciduous means that the plant will show some form of die back with the onset of the fall and winter months so exercise precaution when selecting these types as a privacy screen. Vegetation such as Beech will not lose all of its leaves, but maintain a brown coloration through the colder period.
Evergreen bushes will keep its beautiful green or red coloration through the different seasons of the year. These plants often do well in full sun or semi-shaded areas. If your soil includes a great deal of clay, apply the appropriate soil conditioners before planting to encourage healthier growth and protect against loss of the plant or stunted growth.
All newly planted hedges will need a year before the roots become established after which you will notice an increase in its formation. An average of 3 inches in height per year can be expected depending on the type of species that you have planted. Always water the hedging properly through the summer months when it becomes hot and dry to prevent the roots from becoming damaged.
Determine the appropriate pruning times to encourage new growth and remove the dead branches or dry patchy areas of the bush. This will not only help the plant develop faster, but also provides a more aesthetic result as you get rid of the dead or dying sections. Look out for any animals that may have nested in the shrub area before moving forward with a prune.
It is a good idea to cut back hedges during late spring or the middle of summer. This stimulates the plant to produce higher levels of development. A look at the shape and the species can help determine effective times for pruning.
A plant of around 24 inches can reach a height of 30 inches within 2 to 3 years. Providing hedges with the right conditions can help accelerate growth, but most plants will take an average of 5 years to achieve its full height and proper form. Taking the necessary steps to achieve a beautiful result can prove most rewarding.
