Hedges and hedge planting

Any new hedge planting should aim to link in with existing hedges, woodlands or other natural features such as ponds. This will create wildlife corridors and add maximum value to the new hedge. Other things to consider before planting a new hedge are soil type, possible underground services, such as water supplies and shared boundaries. See the article on this site regarding the law on boundary hedges.

Species of hedges

Your new hedge will have the best possible chance if you choose a species that grows locally. For maximum wildlife benefit Hawthorn should make up at least three quarters of the hedge. The remainder can be made up from blackthorn, hazel, dogwood, guelder rose, field maple, or holly. The hedge should have a mixture containing at least 4 different species within the new planting.

Planting Preparation for your Hedge

Clear the ground of all existing vegetation, either by digging over the turf and incorporating it into the ground. The ground should ideally be rotivated, to a depth of approximately one and a half feet and well rotted manure dug in.

Including trees in your hedge

You can also include hedgerow trees such as oak, wild cherry ,ash, or field maple, approximately every 75 yards depending on the landscape, but again think about boundaries. Who owns the land on the other side of your hedge, and will they appreciate large trees?

Planting your hedge

Hedge planting is best done between November and March. Planting should be avoided when the ground is waterlogged or frozen as this can lead to poor root growth or parts of the hedge not taking at all.

When you have taken delivery of the hedge make sure the roots do not dry out. Protected the hedge plants from cold temperatures whilst out of the ground. A recommended planting rate is 6 plants per metre in a double staggered row.

Looking after your new hedge

Where necessary the new hedge will need protecting from livestock and wild animals such as rabbits and deer. Fencing should be erected at a sufficient distance from the new hedge to avoid grazing though the fence. Ideally fencing should be at least 1m from the newly planted hedge.

Aftercare

Keep the new hedge weed free and moist, mulching will help. Careful trimming in the first few years will encourage dense growth at the base of the hedge.

Each successive trim should be progressively higher and wider to gradually bring the hedge to its final width and height. An alternative way to gain a dense hedge is to coppice it at ground level after the first year, encouraging the plant to produce multiple shoots.

Hedge cutting

Cut as late as possible in February/early March, prior to the nesting season, but when the seeds/berries will have been eaten by the over wintering birds. Do not cut during the best nesting season. It is an offence, under Section 1 of the Wildlife Countryside Act (1981), to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird which is being used or built. Ideally the hedge should be trimmed every second year as the fruits are