Popular Fun Facts About Hedges
A garden hedge is undoubtedly, the most popular type of plant found is most homes and surrounding commercial properties. These green to gold and sometimes red leaves of beautifully trimmed hedges add a natural charm and unique character for any style of property. Learning fun facts about hedges can help shed a different light on these typical plants and help produce exceptional results. If you have walked down a beautiful garden path you may not have paid attention to the use of a hedge to produce this structure. Well trimmed and structured bushy plants are most commonly used in garden paths with the purpose of forming a designated area that will draw your eye to a focal point. It is so cleverly achieved and produces an illusion of length that you may not notice it until its is pointed out to you. While hedging may look like an expensive plant, it is the among the cheapest types of vegetation to grow. You may be surprised at the affordability of the more popular types and owing to its impressive growth, one would certainly expect a greater expense. While basic compost and soil preparation are necessary, these shrubs are also cheaper to grow and do not require any specialized products. The use of exceptionally large growing hedge plants can act as a dense screen for privacy. If you have a bare wall that is not great looking, planting a significant growing hedge will soon cover the area within a few years and the correct trim. It provides a plant wall from the neighbors, but also creates an attractive and natural look for any sized garden. A hedge serves a very important function for birds and smaller mammals and is actually protected. The shrubby plant can produce berries providing foraging animals and bird life with a source of food, but also grows densely offering protection from the elements. In many regions, it is protected to maintain the natural systems for many diverse forms of wildlife. The hawthorn hedge possesses unique medicinal uses, but is also a common choice for burning wood. It is commonly mentioned in folklore, but has been shown to play a role in managing particular cardiovascular conditions. It is important to ensure that you learn of the specific shrub before proceeding with any type of medical application. When a hedge is removed, a protection act is in place to ensure that the shrub is replaced according to its natural requirements and standards. Most natural heritage sites prohibit the removal of a hedge and should this occur without the relevant management strategies and legal applications, prosecution could be faced. The replacement of removed hedging is an important process. The many unique features of hedges have contributed to the popularity of this bushy plant. Available in many sizes and consistencies, a hedge can be grown in most types of soil with moderate water requirements making for a hardy and beautiful garden addition. If you decide to add a hedge to your garden, consider the species and which offers the most appealing feature for your home.
Privacy Hedges: What Type Should You Go For?
When you want to plant a hedge, you need to conduct your research to ensure that you select the most ideal plants. They play an important role in the garden as they act as sound proof and also act as a form of security. They come in various varieties and you may be confused on the variety to choose. So if you are considering the privacy hedges: what type should you go for? It is the desire of the most of the people to have hedges that requires no or few maintenance. If you are such a person, you should pick the low maintenance types of plants. When you plant Copper Beech or Red Robin that is constantly green, you will not spend much of your time in trimming. You may be surprised that you may only prune once in summer to achieve that beautiful look. The size of your garden will determine the type of hedge you will plant. If you have a smaller compound, it is wiser to go for a narrow hedge. There are plant species that are useful for these types of narrow hedges such as the Ligustrum vulgare and Osmathus delavayii. You can also use the wooden trellis to make boundaries in your garden. The wildlife hedge is also ideal for the privacy concerns. It adds authentic feel to your garden and compound as a whole. These native plants will produce nuts, berries, fruits that give your compound a natural atmosphere. The flowery plants will attract bees and birds making your compound to be more beautiful. The hedge will consist of several plant species such as the field maple, spindle, blackthorn, alder, crab apple and sweet briar. You can be able to make your compound more private and ensure that it looks more beautiful. There are some plants that are very attractive when planted in the compound. Some of them include spotted laurel, fancy-leaved and variegated privet. They are also more convenient if you want to achieve a more formal and attractive look. If you want to achieve a casual and attractive looks, you should consider the flowering hedge. If you are considering harvesting out of your hedge, then you should go for edible plants. You can decide to plant crab apple, blackberry, damson and pear for their nuts and fruits. These walls are encouraged on the upcountry rather than in the city set up. If you are want to have a private compound with enough security, you should go for the bougainvillea type. They have thorns that will ensure that no one climbs your wall. These plant grows very fast so it needs constant pruning to tame the wild spreading of the twigs. Other thorny types of hedge plants include Holly, roses, sea and buckthorn. There are various factors that influence the type of the plants that you pick. To achieve maximum benefits from the plants, you should study more about the species of the plants and find out if your location is the best for the plants. You can achieve more from the hedge like having a beautiful, secure and elegant compound.
Maintenance Tips For Hedges In The Summer
Keeping your hedge beautiful, neat and healthy requires the correct balance of feed, water and outdoor conditions, but the correct pruning can also make or break plants. Hedges in the summer months need to be properly cut to allow the new growth to take over and form that familiar dense growth, but also to strengthen the vegetation. The following tips can help promote the growth and condition of all hedge types. A hedge is a common garden plant, but require a fair amount of care to achieve its full and healthy green consistency. For a hedge that is newly planted, you must perform routine trims to remove any old branches and leaves and to encourage stronger and deeper root development. This is carried out for a few years until the plant has established and healthy levels of grow have occurred. You can use a handheld shear or similar trimming tool that is sharp and able to cleanly cut through the stems of the plant. Many hedges are cut with a lightweight weed trimmer, but this is not recommended unless the plant is older and is being cut into a shape. Pruning and shaping younger plants with the wrong tools prevents removal of unwanted growth or dead patches and could kill the bush. It is best to conduct a trim in the spring and summer to prepare the plant for the new growth and accelerated development. Using a good pair of gloves and a shears, you must examine the hedge and identify areas of weakness or dead branches that need to be cut off. Trimming is an easy process if you know what to look for and receive the proper management tips from a professional. You can use a hand trimmer to keep the plants short and neat and proves particularly useful for larger hedge types. These tools provide better control and help target specific areas of these plants without making the mistake of chopping too much and compromising the health of hedges. Once established and a few years old, you can clip the hedge into any type of shape or keep it flat and neat along the top. Depending on the type of hedge, learn about its water requirements to maintain it development and health. Many plants can tolerate long periods without water while others will need to remain moist at the roots to facilitate healthy development. If you are unsure about its water needs, visit a local gardening facility to discuss the maintenance of the plant. It is a good idea to remove all the dead flowers after the summer bloom to prevent these sections from sapping energy from the plant. Look out for decaying branches or areas of disease that would compromise the integrity and any future growth. With the right approach, these plants can be kept strong and in the best condition throughout the year. Keeping a hedge neatly trimmed and well cared for during the summer period can help produce dense growth and a healthy bush. A hand shears or electrically operated tool provides greater control over the trimming process. Simple care in the spring and summer months can provide an abundance of future growth.
How Long Does A Hedge Take To Grow
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.
How To Trim Your Hedges In The Spring
There are a few things folks need to know when it comes to caring for their landscaping. Depending on where you live there are certain care and maintenance needs for different times of the year. No matter where you live one universal task is trimming hedges in the spring. The most common technique is to trim from the top of the bush down. Before you start cutting away branches, make sure you do some research about the type of hedge you have. It is very important to understand the type of cuts you will need to make to ensure a healthy plant. You may need to purchase certain tools to do the job right. Learn all you can about how and when to trim before you begin. It is never a good idea to just start cutting away at branches. Trimming in the spring rather than the fall will help plants survive the low temperatures of winter. The time to trim is in the spring, during the summer, and at the end of the summer. Trimming and snipping in the growing season encourages the plant to grow and branch up. If you clip your hedge in the colder temperatures the newly clipped branches are exposed to cold and this will harm the plant. Choose your tools wisely. Gardening tools that are better made and do not lose their sharp edges are recommended. Cutting with a tool that has dull edge can damage branches by uneven cuts and ripping. A clean sharp cut will promote healthy growth. It is best to use a hand pruner for fine work, serrated blade shears for heavy branches, and lopping shears for thick branches. You can use string as a guideline to help you trim a hedge evenly. Begin by making a grid of the branches that are sticking out. Trim the larger branches that stick out first. Next do some closer clipping to clean up the top and sides and get a nice shape. You can concentrate on keeping your hedge square or trim individual hedges into a round shape. Clip the sides of the bush wider at the bottom. This will ensure that the exposed leaves get the most sun. When you clip bushes you are making it possible for them to soak up the light. The hedge should look like an upside down vase when trimmed correctly. A properly clipped bush will be healthy. It is important to know what needs to be cut on the particular hedge you are pruning. Clipping branches to encourage growth means that you trim the longer branches in the middle. If you only want to spruce up your hedge, concentrate on its shape, making it even by clipping branches that are sticking out. You will be thinning the bush out. When you trim, begin at the top of the bush and work downward. Make sure that you fertilise the bush so that it has energy to encourage new growth. Anyone can have beautiful looking bushes when they follow these guidelines. With a little work you will have a yard that will make your neighbours envious.
Guidelines On How To Plant A Hedge
Planting hedges can be difficult, particularly for people that have not planted hedges before. Hedges are visually appealing. They can enhance the appearance of your property. If you want to plant appealing hedges, you ought to ensure that you follow the appropriate planting procedures. Outlined, are guidelines on how to plant a hedge: Purchase the type of shrubs or trees you wish to grow. When purchasing plants, you ought to consider your preferences and the price of the plants. For instance, if you prefer to have an evergreen fence, you should consider buying plants that can withstand harsh climatic conditions. The cost of purchasing shrubs and trees depends on size. Larges plants are more expensive. Make sure that you purchase these crops from a reputable dealer that sells them at a reasonable cost. Weeds and grass may impede the proper growth of plants. Therefore, before planting, you should clear unwanted grass and weeds. To remove the weeds and grass, you can consider using a pull hoe. You can also consider using herbicides. A pull hoe is a safer option since it will not cause any contamination, which might affect the shrubs you want to grow. Create a trench. You can choose to create a curved or a straight trench. It should be at least thirty centimeters deep and forty five centimeters wide. You can use a tape measure. It will ensure that you create a trench that has the appropriate measurements. The trench you create should be uniform. Uniformity will facilitate the uniform growth of plants. It will also ensure that all plants are properly spaced. Map out the shrub holes. After creating a trench, you can use small pieces of wood to mark where you will position your plants. You should pay attention to spacing. For instance, if you prefer thick hedges, you should minimize spacing. However, you must ensure that you space your plants in a manner that will facilitate easier growth. Create suitable planting holes. After mapping out and marking the shrub holes, you should proceed to digging the holes. The holes should neither be too deep nor too shallow. After creating the holes, you can add compost. Organic matter will boost the productivity of the soil thus, providing a favorable environment that will support the growth of the plants. Take out the plants from the nursery pots and place them in the planting holes. You should be gentle and cautious, when taking out the plants from the pots. After placing the plants in the planting holes, you should cover up the roots with an adequate amount of soil. You can consider adding mulch. You should, however, not place the mulch on the stems of the plant. Water is essential, particularly in the first stages of growth. Therefore, after planting the shrubs, you should water them thoroughly. Planting hedges does not have to be difficult. If you follow the right procedures, you will be in a position to plant appealing hedges. You can consider the guidelines discussed above, if you intend to grow a hedge. The article discusses guidelines that will help you in planting hedges.
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Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About The History Of Hedges
Hedges are a staple in the classic landscape design. People love the flexibility of this foliage given that it can be shaped, trimmed and sculpted to fit almost any space. The resulting structures also offer an incredible amount of privacy and a considerable amount of shade. Surprisingly, they have also been used throughout the years in efforts to define property boundaries. Following is everything you’ve every wanted to know about the history of hedges. Throughout the lowlands of England, hedges have been used as boundaries. As such, they serve both an aesthetic purpose and a very functional one. They also eliminate the need to do any underground trenching, such as what is typically performed during the construction and installation of a boundary fence. For centuries, large-size properties that had their own grassy knolls were essentially fenced in with shrubbery. Given that larger tracts of land have always been equated with wealth, it is not uncommon for most estates to have gardeners, even if they have few other professionals on staff. In fact, hedges have been so important in this respect throughout history that most large-sized homes or manor were almost always built with gardeners’ quarters on-site. In terms of property maintenance, gardening was actually among the most critical roles. Hedges or hedgerows have additionally served another purpose. More than being just a visible barrier, these also provide a surprising amount of protection, particularly when prickly species are planted. Hedges filled with thorns make a very formidable obstacle for trespassers and thus, beyond merely alerting people where boundary lines begin and end, a hedge can actually keep unwanted parties out. This foliage was not systemically planted in England until the 13th century. The second of two major enclosure movements prompted these plantings to become a common practice, both for the purpose of defining properties and essentially barricading them in. In terms of systemic planting, hedgerows have been a key part of property preservation for more than 800 years and continue to this day to serve both protective, informative and functional purposes to this day. One of the most surprising thing about the history of these plants is the fact that hedgerows dating several hundred years old are still alive and present this day. Given that these barricades are such an important part of English history, scientists have been looking for effective ways to date them. Unlike trees, it is not possible to simply hew them open and count the rings. The current and most commonly used formula for dating old hedgerows is to determine the approximate number of plant species within them. Greater diversity is associated with lengthier histories and then comparisons are made between dated foliage and foliage that has a recorded or otherwise well-known lifespan. While apparently quite accurate in many instances, this method of dating hedgerows loses efficacy as gardeners become more adept in strategically integrating plant species to attain specific qualities. The hedge has been used all throughout the world to create a sense of privacy on both large and small properties alike. What most people don’t know is that the thorny nature of this bush has made it a formidable wall of defense for many centuries. More surprisingly, some of these vast green walls are still present today and have histories that span numerous centuries.
Tips For Landscaping With Deciduous Hedges
An attractive landscaping design is something that will instantly improve the value of any residential property. Lush foliage, colourful flowers, and a well-maintained hedge enhance the visual appeal of a yard while offering a natural way to mark property lines and provide some privacy for property owners. Depending on location and personal preference, deciduous hedges offer an affordable way for homeowners to decorate their property. Unlike evergreens, deciduous shrubs will change colour with the seasons, offering a variety of looks depending on the time of year. They are less expensive than evergreens, allowing consumers to cover more area with a smaller budget. In locations where wildlife thrives, deciduous varieties are preferable because evergreens attract deer, which will graze freely as high as they can reach. A deciduous hedge may or may not drop its leaves after they turn color. A beech hedge, for example, will hold onto the brown leaves throughout the winter adding lovely fall tones to a landscaping design. These species filter wind better than evergreens, so they are not as susceptible to damage caused by storms with strong winds. With enough space, an unclipped hedge creates a beautiful natural screen. This is useful in locations where houses are built close together and privacy is a concern. A properly maintained hedge can effectively block unattractive views and in some cases, can block out some traffic noise. The pruning schedule will vary according to the species. Consumers should consult with a local plant expert for advice on what type of hedge will thrive given the local soil type, amount of rainfall, and average temperature. A certain type of hedge may look good in a picture but if the local conditions cannot easily support its growth, the consumer will be wasting time and money trying to plant and maintain it. Like evergreens, these hedges do require pruning but they are more forgiving when it comes to lax maintenance. Trimming should occur annually during the late part of the summer for the best results. The good thing is, even if the homeowner neglects to prune for a year or two, the hedge will bounce back quickly when maintenance resumes. One way to save money on planting a hedge is to start with small transplants, often called whips, which are approximately 60 cm tall. Less mature plants will often establish easier but the homeowner will have to pay special attention to watering at first and wait for the hedge to grow to the desired size. Starting with mature plants will provide an instant hedge, but it will cost more up front and there may be problems if some of the plants suffer from establishment issues. Consumers have the option of hiring a professional landscaper or doing the planting themselves. Planting a hedge is something almost anyone can do with the right starter plants and a handful of simple garden tools. Working outdoors is a great way to stay active and when the work is done, the homeowner will reap the rewards of a luscious hedge for many years to come.
Using Evergreen Hedges To Enhance Any Landscape
Planting grass, trees, bushes, and flowers is the perfect way to enhance the appearance of any outdoor area. When property owners plant evergreen hedges, they get much more than just beautiful landscaping. A hedge can help reduce street noise, increase personal privacy, and increase property value when the homeowner decides to sell. One big advantage a hedge has over a wall or fence is cost. It is considerably less expensive than purchasing supplies and hiring a professional to build a wall or a fence. With a little bit of spare time and a few simple gardening tools, almost anyone can tackle this relatively simple home improvement project with satisfactory results. Planting hedges offers a great way to block views of a yard from the street. Homeowners have more privacy without sacrificing the natural beauty of living plants. If the hedge is a hardy species that grows in thick, it can even keep out stray animals and trespassers. Total cost will depend on a variety of factors, including what type of plant the homeowner chooses for the hedge. Another factor in determining cost is the size of the plants at the time of purchase. Younger plants will be more affordable, but the homeowner will have to wait longer, perhaps as long as a year or more, to enjoy the full effect of the hedge. Unlike deciduous species, an evergreen hedge will not drop its foliage when the weather turns cold. This makes evergreens the perfect choice when planting privacy screens or using the plants to block an unattractive view. Evergreen foliage can vary in color and may produce flowers or berries. Narrow leaf varieties feature leaves that look like needles seen on pine trees. Many varieties have leaves with a blue tint. Not all evergreen varieties have needles. Broadleaf varieties have leaves with a broad surface that may be marked with veins. A healthy hedge does require some maintenance, but with the proper nutrients, including adequate light and water, it will last for decades. Unlike a fence, homeowners will never have to worry about making repairs, painting or staining. Some species require more frequent pruning, so it is important for consumers to research maintenance requirements so they can choose a species that fits their needs and lifestyle. Arborvitae is one of the most popular varieties for hedging projects. These plants are vigorous, so they grow quickly and make great screens to block unsightly views. Boxwood is a plant that is easy to work with and can be trimmed into a variety of shapes. The downside to boxwood is the odor, which some people find unpleasant. Consumers who want to add security should consider barberry. Barberry has large leaves and grows barbs that make it impenetrable. This species will also produce berries that attract a wide variety of birds. Regardless of species, an evergreen hedge will enhance any landscaping project. A qualified horticulturist can provide details about the variety of plants that grow best in the area. Factors to consider include climate and soil type.