Hedge query
Standen1
Posts: 64
Hi, we have a leylandi hedge which we have kept approx 6ft tall. Last year it started to die in places, we were advised that it was a disease and the dead patches have really spread to the point now that we are looking at replacing the hedge completely. The question is - what should we replace it with? We don't want anything that will grow to more than 5ft and nothing too wide as it is between ourselves and the neighbors and cars get parked alongside. We also want something evergreen and that will reach the desired height quickly. Has anyone any suggestions please? Many thanks
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I can't think of any hedging that will grow to 5ft. All would need trimmed to keep in shape.
As you are going to be brushing against this hedge to get past cars etc I would look for something without thorns.
I am also concerned as to what your last hedge died from - if you have the name (or can find out) then you could choose a species not suseptible to that disease.
Beech or hornbeam are nice - they grow quicker then you think. I've seen then trained, Beech looks lovely in winter as it keeps its leaves (brown). Just prepare the ground and keep watered. Plus you can get the whips really cheap. Alternatively, any native (hawthorn hazel bird cherry rowan blackthorn) all grown well and you could lay them after a couple of years to keep them neat and tidy. What about a fedge? Willow whips simply weaved together.
Yew every time!
Hi everyone, thanks for your suggestions, not sure about beech though as the rest of the garden are shades of green not brown although I agree it could look nice. Top soiled - what did you mean about 'laying' a native hedge after a few years?
Having seen Love Your Garden last night - has anyone had experience of the mixed native hedging blocks that were shown?
Standen, not sure if you understand that beech is green through spring to autumn with beautiful leaves like crinkly crisps, but don't suggest you eat them.
Hello Standen1, hedge laying is cutting most of the way through the trunk of the "tree" low down and lay it down forming a thick stock proof hedge - probably not one of your requirements but can be done on an ornamental level so you get a stylish thick "solid" hedge. Its not that difficult, especially on a short distance and a new hedge. You could also espalier a hedge which would look quite smart. http://www.hedgelaying.org.uk/styles.htm
Beech would look good - green most of the year but retains its leaves through autumn and winter which turn bronze or copper coloured which retains the screen. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bushmonkey10443/6507694201
Saw the troughs (£70 each?) - expensive when you could get 80cm - 100cm whips for about £1 a plant - http://www.hedgenursery.co.uk/all-hedging-a-z/i-fagus-i-beech/i-fagus-sylvatica-i-common-beech.html
These are the people I used (1500+ plants) excellent quality lost about 4 plants and my 3 year old hedge is16ft in places! My beech/hornbeam hedge is about 8ft although I need to prune it into shape.
Thinking about it - what about fruit trees - trained along wire? depends how much work you want to do, whether you want something a little different or purely practical. If you want a year round screen and something you don't have to do much with - Beech or yew.
Standen - Beech turns brown in autumn but retains it's leaves if the hedge is kept at a reasonable size. The purple variety is particularly attractive. Not an evergreen but screens well. I love Hornbeam - similar to beech but a more defined 'crimp' to the foliage, and withstands soggy ground much better. Cheap at this time of year if you buy bare root for autumn/winter planting
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Many thanks everyone - lots to think about - still undecided but considering everyone's ideas and will see what the 'tree people' say next week ( need them to do the removal at least) .
Make sure you get them to really grind the stump and they take as much root out as they are willing to do...it's hard work digging out roots!!
Thanks - will do!