deep hedging idea

bluehamster1968

This is probably a daft question,but a daft question avoids a daft mistake!
I want to grow a really deep hedge which would be for wildlife.
Where I want to plant it is only accessible from one side.
I want to keep the top trimmed flat.
The question is how deep can I make it-am I limited to the length of a hedge clipper,or is there a technique you can use with a hedge trimmer which would allow me to clip the top of a hedge which is deeper than the length of the trimmer blade?

robairdmacraignil

You can get a trimmer or saw that is positioned on a pole that allows you to control the height of plants at a considerably greater distance than a standard trimmer if that is any help in what you are planning. I usually borrow a trimmer version my Da got from Lidl a couple of times a year to make dealing with a couple of hedges that have got too big easier. This link shows some similar tools that might be worth investing in to manage a hedge like you are suggesting.

Happy gardening!

Plantminded

Remember that hedging plants compete with each other for light, nutrients and water, so a really deep hedge will need more attention than trimming, particularly when you are trying to get the plants established.  The ground will need to be well prepared with plenty of organic matter added and watering will be very important.  If your hedge is also not accessible from one side that suggests another restriction on the hedge’s potential to do well, perhaps because of a wall or fence causing a rain shadow and also limiting light and air flow. I’d suggest growing your hedge to an easily managed depth, wildlife will still come and appreciate your efforts!

bluehamster1968

Thanks for the replies-sounds like I'd be better off planting some meadow perennials instead of the hedge.

Plantminded

Perennials are much easier to grow and manage but a smaller hedge will add opportunities for attracting a wider range of wildlife throughout the year.  You could do both!

Perki

Wide hedges are the bane of my life awful to do when they get to wide, I've just had to buy another hedge trimmer for just that reason, they are heavy to use as well. I do have a beech hedge its about 4ft wide and high the birds love it . 

Fairygirl

Having had to cut my Dad's very wide beech hedge on many occasions, I echo what's been said!
Standing on a ladder and having to reach across an 8 foot hedge when you're small, isn't ideal. If you want to do it - it's better to use one of the tools mentioned by @robairdmacraignil, but the weight is a massive factor as @Perki says. There's no way I could have used one without spending a week doing it all. 
A hedge doesn't have to be particularly wide though, to have lots of wildlife using it   

bluehamster1968

Plantminded said:

Perennials are much easier to grow and manage but a smaller hedge will add opportunities for attracting a wider range of wildlife throughout the year.  You could do both!Plantminded said:

What I'm now thinking about doing is a Rowan hedge about 5 feet tall by 18 inches deep,with some meadow perennials around the base.

Fairygirl

I don't think rowan would make a very good hedge. There are much better plants for hedging. They can be grown as multi stem trees as well as in a more typical standard habit, but trying to mould them into an 18 inch deep hedge wouldn't work IMO. You'd constantly be cutting off the flowering/fruiting potential. 

If you want something narrow but beneficial to wildlife, many cotoneasters would work better, especially if it's against a wall or fence. Even privet would be fine if left to flower, and can be kept narrow or broad. 

Plantminded

A rowan would be an excellent addition to your garden for wildlife, but not as a hedge.  If you have space to grow one as a single stemmed tree or a multi stemmed tree you won't believe how popular your garden will become in autumn with its berries!

I'd use privet for your hedge or you could try a mix of native hedging, sold by many hedging specialists.  How large is the area you are planning to plant?  Is it sunny or shaded, exposed or sheltered and what's your soil like? A photo always helps with recommendations.

bluehamster1968

Part of the reason I'm considering rowan is my next door neighbour has very young grandchildren,so I don't want to risk planting anything which is harmful if eaten.