Hedge problem.
Finless
Posts: 20
A boundary hedge has grown too high and wide for its own trunks/stems/stalks.
The hedge used to be supported by a wooden frame but that rotted away.
The hedge is currently the perfect height etc as a boundary but can't support it's own weight.
I can only think off giving it a severe trim in both height and width but am worried about killing it.
Option 2 is to support again but I can't see how to get in there to hammer in some stakes and rails.
The hedge isn't mine so having it out and putting up a fence isn't an option.
I'll try to add some pictures / any advice would be gratefully received.
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Posts
What sort of tree/bush/hedge is it?
Maybe it can be cut right back to ground level. Depending on the tree species it will sprout again. Can you tell us what the species are? Plus a photo.
Ash, hazel, sycamore will definitely sprout again if coppiced.
Sorry, having trouble uploading pictures.
Hopefully:-
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5jz4x2ihnn4u0ja/WdAiOHcw-X
Looks like Lonicera nitida. That will take a good haircut and grow back. Doesn't do well as a tall hedge though. OK til it snows
In the sticks near Peterborough
The problem is that it has been growing 'on the lean' for years.
If it is,nt your hedge can you cut it back as severly as you suggest?
Neighbourly co-operation in removing and putting up a fence an option?
What does it look like from the neighbour's side? Maybe they are sick of it falling all over the place, too.
We have some trapped between some physocarpus and some weigela and it makes a wonderful windbreak as a triple-layered hedge.
I tell you one thing, it will take all the neighbourly co-operation you can muster to dig it out. It's a horror.
We had the same problem between our garden and the neighbour. The hedge had fallen both ways and left a wide empty section in the middle. We jointly decided it was better to remove it and put a fence in. Not only did we get rid of the hassle of cutting it, we regained several feet of garden each.
No problems with the neighbour but I'll need to do the graft.
The hedge is perfect In height if only it would stand up. Stakes and rails (or similar) sound like the best option but I can't see how to do it.
Perhaps metal stakes would be best as they'll take the hammering at the top and will penetrate the ground more easily .