Hedge plants are affordable and provide an attractive border for any landscaping design. You have many options when choosing a hedge plant for your yard but hawthorn is among the most popular. You can find affordable hawthorn hedges in Lancashire at any local nursery.
Small plants, called whips, are the least expensive and are approximately 60cm tall. They are easy to establish but may take several years to reach the desired height. Semi-mature plants are more expensive and require more time to plant and water but they provide you with an instant hedge.
Hawthorn is a deciduous tree meaning it drops its leaves annually. It has branches with spines and the leaves are toothed or lobed. It develops white flowers followed by black or red berries. The best time of the year to plant this type of hedge is between mid-autumn and late winter before the ground freezes.
To prepare the soil, dig a strip 60-90cm wide and one spade blade deep. Remove any weeds and add organic matter. Use a fork to mix the compost into the soil. Form a ridge 50-70cm long and 15-20cm high.
Place your plants with approximately 30-60cm between them. If you want a thicker hedge, plant them in a double row and stagger them with 90cm between the rows. Trim damaged roots and spread out the remaining roots. Add soil between the roots making sure they are in close contact and water if necessary. Add mulch to 7.5 cm deep to prevent any weeds from growing.
You want to make sure give your plants plenty of water for the first two years, especially during dry spells. Top-dress once per year with fertilizer. Eliminate weeds around the plants and 45 cm on each side.
Signs of poor establishment include brown or yellow leaves and shoots that die back. This problem will show up during the first two or three years after planting and usually in June. The most common causes are poor planting technique and lack of watering. This is why irrigation and controlling weeds are so critical. To avoid this problem make sure new plants are in a place free from frost with the roots covered and plant them in the ground as soon as possible.
Plants will dry out very quickly during hot, dry weather. Mulch, organic matter, or plastic sheeting will help suppress weeds and retain water. Use organic mulch that is thick and coarse for the best results. While watering is important, waterlogged soil will kill plants, so the soil should have ample drainage. Aerating the soil with a fork will help improve drainage. Only water when the soil is dry. Your hedge will need more water when conditions are hot and windy.
Following these tips will protect your investment. It may take up to three years for your hedge to become fully established. Once it is, you will have a lovely boundary for your yard or garden. Hedges not only provide structure but they are ideal for wildlife, especially nesting birds.
