Hedges serve a variety of purposes in residential and commercial landscaping. These lush green barriers provide a natural and attractive way to define property lines and preserve the property owner’s privacy. A thick hedge is just as effective for keeping out unwanted human and animal intruders as any fence or wall. If you want to beautify your yard and create a private oasis, you can find laurel hedges in Lancashire at a local nursery.
The cost of your hedge will depend on whether you want to start from seedlings or pay extra for mature plants that will provide an instant living barrier. Smaller plants establish more quickly than large plants. They require less maintenance, but it will be several years before the hedge reaches the desired height and thickness.
The Portugal laurel is an evergreen shrub that offers the advantage of providing privacy and shelter all year round. Evergreens require pruning once or twice per year to maintain their appearance, so they require more maintenance that deciduous shrubs. You may plant this hedge anytime between early autumn and late winter, but the ideal time is as early as possible before the ground has a chance to freeze.
This type of laurel has ovate leaves that are dark green. The small white flowers are fragrant and bloom during the summer in racemes that can measure up to 25cm long. In the fall, the pollinated white flowers give way to small, purple fruits.
This hedge can grow in partial shade or full sunlight with sufficient watering and drainage. It will grow facing any direction in both sheltered and exposed areas. This hardy plant can survive in clay or loamy, chalky, or sandy soil. The plant can grow in excess of 12 metres high and can have a spread wider than eight metres.
Providing the proper aftercare as well as paying attention to root health, soil conditions, and weather, will improve the chances for establishment without problems. The most common causes of poor establishment include improper planting technique and failure to provide adequate amounts of water. Problems are typically most noticeable during late spring and usually show up within the first two years after the shrubs were planted.
This shrub can fall prey to the vine weevil. Adult insects destroy the leaves during the warm time of the year while the grubs devour the roots during the autumn and winter. Controlling these pests at the first sign of activity can prevent wilting and death.
Pruning should take place during the early spring and late winter for the best results. When pruning, the goal is to remove any crossing, damaged, congested or diseased shoots. After pruning you should add mulch to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
A well-maintained hedge adds beauty to any landscaping design and can increase overall property value. Lancashire residents can visit a local nursery or an online hedge supplier for helping with choosing plants. They can also receive tips for planting and pruning to help protect their investment.
