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.
The Benefits Of Hedges Around Your Property
If you are thinking about having a fence around your property, think about putting up a hedge. This is due to the several benefits of hedges. The best time to plant a hedge is as soon as you move in to your property, before you know it, the plants and trees will be established. Here are some top reasons why having hedges is a good idea. It is not very expensive to plant a hedge. This is because the cost of buying the small plants varies, so you can buy something that you can afford. There are also many varieties of plants, so you can easily choose from the many options that are available. This makes the cost of the fence so much cheaper than other types of fences. You can handle it as a do it yourself project. You do not have to employ someone else to do it for you, since all you have to do is to plant the plants around your property. This will save you the cost and hassle of hiring a professional to do it for you. This can give you great satisfaction, knowing that you are the one who set up the live fence around your property. It can also make for a great DIY project for your family. If it is well maintained, it will generally look good and smell good. This will increase the aesthetic appeal of your house and help to increase the property value if you are planning to sell the property. Also, a hedge will blend in well with the rest of your landscape design and the fact that it is natural is a plus. If you love nature and animals, then this will be a great way to attract them. Birds can nest on the plants and other insects, such as butterflies, will frequently visit your compound. If you are in a rural area or out in the wild and you want to attract some wild animals, you can place some feeders in the hedge. Animals will come to eat and drink from the feeder. You will enjoy a lot of privacy in your compound, as you can keep out unwanted gazes from neighbours and people in the streets. Try and make your hedge thick, if you want lots of privacy. You can combine it with some climbers to increase your level of privacy. You can use short hedges to outline a path in your compound. This will make it easier for guests to know where to walk. This will prevent people from walking on your grass or any other area where you don’t want people to walk. This will ensure that your grass and other plants don’t get ruined. The plants will act as a windbreaker. This will prevent any plants that you have planted in your garden from getting destroyed by winds which are too strong. This will encourage your plants to grow twice as fast. This is also a great way to reduce your heating bills, as cool winds will be filtered away from the main house.
Exploring The Benefit Of Hedges To Birdlife
One can’t place a value on beauty and purpose when it comes to nature. Everything has a purpose and function when dealing with the aspects of the great outdoors. Sometimes, those things which appear to have the least amount of significance, is what others need the most. No one takes the time to look at the benefit of hedges to birdlife, when they observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Hedgerows are very significant when it comes to wildlife. It is known that they support 80 percent of birds from the woodland, not to mention about half of mammals and over 25 percent of butterflies. Ditches and banks that are commonly linked to hedges provide a place for reptiles, frogs, and other amphibians to live. The maintenance of hedge heights is of extreme importance, because they support many types of birds and their dwelling tendencies. For example, blackbirds and greenfinches may rest above ground level, while robins, whitethroats, and wrens nest on lower levels. Birds such as grey partridges use grass from the bottom of the hedgerow in which to rest. Managing a hedgerow with a grassy verge at the bottom is very important. It provides a grassy cover for all animals. Field margins and hedgerows with grassy bottoms are of extreme importance because they provide insect larvae for baby birds to feed upon as well as nesting material. All types of wild flowers and grass grow on a hedge and helps to conceal nests from approaching predators. During the winter months, hedgerows serve as roosting and feeding sites for local bids and visiting birds such as the redwing. Hedges that provide plenty of cover and material for birds are the best. However, there should be a variety of shapes and sizes that extend to woody areas. Hedgerows that contain a large number of woody species are good because they can support more birds. Trees such as the oak are excellent because they also support a huge variety of insects and are amazing as song posts. Trees that are older in nature have lots of wholes which provide places of rest for bats, owls, and kestrels. Dead timber is an excellent source of food for insects and are usually left in the hedges. It is better when there is a huge variety of trees and shrubs. Nectar is provided by different species of flowers that also attract more insects, which of course, attracts more birds. These flowers will also supply a lot of berries that will attract other wild life. Hedges are so very important because it provides a wonderful habitat for birds. It provides, food, safety, as well as shelter. Depending upon the seasons, many different types of birds will become regular visitors and eventually build their own residence. Also, the more birds that are attracted, the more one can learn and observe the different variety of birds right in one’s own backyard. Hedges not only are of value to birds, insects, and amphibians, but are also a great source of education for the human species.
What To Consider When You Buy Hazel Hedges In Lancashire
Planting a hedge is an affordable and effective way to beautify any property’s landscaping design while defining property lines and creating privacy. Hazel is a deciduous shrub or tree that grows to a height of 4 to 8 meters with an ultimate spread of 4 to 8 meters within 10 to 20 years. There are several things to think about when you buy hazel hedges in Lancashire. This plant is hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe. It requires minimal maintenance making it ideal for any residential landscaping project. It grows well in sand, loam, or chalk and will thrive equally well in partial shade or full sunlight, so it can be planted in almost any location. Deciduous plants shed their foliage annually during the fall. This means that a hazel hedge will not provide the same continuous privacy that an evergreen hedge would. Deciduous plants are easier to maintain because they will respond well even if the property owner neglects to prune it for a year or two. Evergreen plants are not as forgiving and some cannot be restored if they are not properly maintained. This hedge’s long catkins add a splash of bright yellow during the spring. It grows edible nuts during the fall season. Property owners should be aware that squirrels feed on hazelnuts and can become a nuisance. Other known pests to watch for include sawflies, aphids, gall mites, and caterpillars. You have the option of growing your hedge from seeds or starting with small plants. Raising a hedge from seeds can be gratifying but it takes patience because it will be several years before the plants are fully established. You will have to start with mature plants if you want to enjoy the benefits of a hedge immediately. Starting from seed is also less expensive, so while there is more work involved, the upfront expense of growing a hedge from seed is much less than purchasing mature plants. The best time for pruning is during the late winter or early spring months. Pruning should occur in February or March. You want to cut the plant back before the leaf buds start to show to ensure maximum regrowth. Pruning while the plant is dormant is important. This is because the plant’s resources are stored in the roots. The plant will rely on these resources for vigorous regrowth. During the summer, the plant stores nutrients in the leaves. Pruning at this time of year removes the resources, which means the hedge will not grow back as strong. This plant is often incorporated into mixed hedges because it grows well with other plants. It also provides a suitable nesting habitat for birds. This makes it a good option for property owners who want to provide shelter for wildlife. Hazel hedges are generally disease free, making them relatively simple to care for. Consumers can invest in a beautiful hedge confident in the fact that it will serve its purpose for many years to come. Any plant expert can assist consumers with advice on the proper planting and care of a hazel hedge.
Top Tips For Shopping At World Of Hedges – Box Hedges In Lancashire
If you are interested in accentuating your garden with a hedge, there are many different considerations to take into account. This guide provides shoppers with tips to prepare for browsing the inventory of World of Hedges – Box Hedges in Lancashire. To follow is an outline of the basic factors involved in making the best choice for hedges for your garden. A key consideration when it comes to purchasing a new hedge is the major issue of height. This has a multitude of ramifications for the garden space. Choosing a hedge species which will grow to an appropriate height for the task you have in mind is key. For example, those who are looking for a hedge to create a private area will want a specimen that is not only densely leaved but which will grow to a height to create privacy. There are many different options available but be aware that choosing a hedge that will grow too high can be a big headache. It may need constant pruning or removal in the future if it is not the appropriate size for the task. The width of the hedge is also important. This is particularly an issue when planning along garden edges. Those plants which tend to grow out rather than up may impede on the garden space. On the other hand this can be an advantage if there is a space which you would like to fill with some visual interest. An example is a shaded corner which tends to look bare. Planting a hedge here which will spread out is a good way to fill the space and provide visual impact. You can find a multitude of leaf varieties when it comes to hedges. Some evergreen versions do not drop leaves in the winter time. This can add a welcome splash of colour in the colder months. Other hedges are flowering, a great way to give fragrance and attractive hues to a garden space. Make sure you understand before planting when the hedge is likely to flower. That way, you can organize the rest of your garden flowering plants so that colours compliment each other and do not clash. For more tips on this subject, there are many helpful guides around. Doing careful and accurate research is very important to helping you to make the right choice. Plants can be expensive and choosing a specimen that is the wrong size or temperament for your garden can be a costly mistake. Thankfully there is an array of practical sources of information on offer to help the plant buyer. These include online blogs which are dedicated to the subject of gardens and which provide helpful links and guides. Many of these online sources also contain extensive photos to provide ideas and inspiration to readers. It can also be useful simply to ask around among your gardening friends for input. They may be able to provide you with some very useful suggestions about where to shop and what species to look for depending on your needs.
