Many modern-day houses are being built closer and closer together in order to fit more into one block. While this is good for the builders because it makes them more money, it also means that the occupants of those houses have less privacy. One way to combat this is with strategically placed hedges that form a natural barrier and fence of sorts. You can hire someone to do this for you, or you can learn how to plant a hedge and do it yourself to save money.
Probably the most important thing you need to do before planting is to sit down and figure out what you actually want from your hedges. If you crave privacy for windows that are tall, you will need to consider plants that will grow that high. If you just want some greenery and something that will flower in spring or summer, then there is a whole different set of hedges that you should consider.
Even more important than that is to pick ones that you have the time to take care of. For example, some hedges require you to do frequent watering, pruning and sheering in order for them to look good. Others are much lower maintenance and just require watering and occasional cutting back. Be honest about how much effort you want to put into them, or else you may end up with a hedge wall that looks unkempt or dead because you did not have enough time to put into them.
You can talk to a nursery worker who has good knowledge of your needs to choose the right species. Once that is done, it is time to mark out where you are going to plant these hedges. Use wood sticks to mark the start and end points. Then create a parallel line down the same path. Between these markers is where they will be planted. You can use spray paint or tape to mark between the wood sticks every four or five feet. This is where you will dig the holes for planting.
Now it is time to go buy the plants. Place one where each hole is marked. Make sure you have removed any weeds or grass from the area, then dig your hole. Remove the shrub from its pot and place it carefully in the hole, then fill in with loose soil that you dug up. It is best to get someone to help you with this part, as it is harder to do on your own.
Continue these same steps until all the shrubs are planted into the ground securely. Do an inspection to make sure none are leaning too much. If they are small and leaning, you may want to use a wooden stick and some tape to help prop it up until they are more established.
Now you will want to water each new plant well. Do not overdo it, as this can cause root rot or mold. But give them a good soaking so that the soil is not dry and they get the nutrients they need.
You will also want to put a layer of mulch around each plant spot. Mulch is usually made of wood chips or similar material. It helps stop the water from evaporating, which is especially important in hot months. It also stops weeds from taking root, which means your new shrubs will not have to compete with wild plants for water, nutrients and other resources that keep it healthy
