Using hedgerows for privacy is something many of us have been considering in the last year. When the extend of our holiday didn’t stretch far beyond our own gardens, the need for your own space unobserved by neighbours is often something we feel we’re lacking. Thankfully, with a bit of patience and planning, it’s possible to grow an attractive hedgerow that provides privacy and can be well maintained with battery powered garden tools.
Using Hedge Rows for Privacy: Preparation
The type of plant you choose is essential here. Look for tall-growing, evergreen plants that bush out and can be easily maintained with easy to handle tools such as an electric pruner. It’s also important that they look attractive. Bay laurels are a great example. They’re not only great for privacy, but they’re also great for cooking.
First things first, make sure you prepare the soil. You may need to prepare your clay soil before beginning. Thankfully many types of hedge are not too fussy, but if you want to ensure fast and effective growth, it’s best to clear the ground in advance.
If you have a lot of existing plants or bushes in the area, consider whether they will serve as privacy hedges or if they’re going to allow an enticing breach in your barrier for your overly curious neighbours. If the existing shrubbery is not serving you, consider moving it elsewhere in the garden or digging it up altogether with a root assassin.
Using Hedgerows for Privacy: Pre-Grown Hedges
It makes sense to buy plants that are already well-grown. The trick with these is that they’ll come in pots, making it difficult to transfer them into the soil. Ensure that the soil is properly treated, mulched and tilled so that you can be sure your hedging will have access to all the nutrients and support they need.
Depending on the type of tree, you might need to consider the nutrition in the soil, so make sure to follow the instructions for each type you use. And be sure when digging the hole that it’s at least as deep as the pot it comes in, and about twice the width, so that you can encourage the roots to spread out. Add some fertiliser and compost at the bottom of the hole and mix it before setting the plants in place.