Replacing a Conifer Hedge

Established yew hedge

Replacing an Old Conifer Hedge: A Practical Guide

When it comes to replacing an old conifer hedge, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden’s look or need to replace a hedge that’s past its prime, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for a smooth transition.

Step 1: Hedge Removal

Removing an old conifer hedge can be a dusty and unpleasant task. The hedge is likely to be very dry and dusty, so wearing protective gear like an all-in-one suit (think CSI style) and having water nearby to control the dust is a must. Once you’re done, a good shower is highly recommended!

Cutting Down the Hedge
The process typically starts by sawing off the top sections of the hedge. A powerful garden shredder, such as a Bosch Shredder, can then be used to chip the cut sections into manageable pieces. Collect the chips in old builders’ bags, which can either be taken to a recycling centre or collected by a garden waste removal service.

Dealing with the Roots
After the hedge has been cut down, you’ll be left with a significant volume of chippings. While it’s possible to use these as mulch around your garden, they can be quite bulky. To remove the roots, cut the remaining hedge trunks down to about two feet above the ground. Then, using a small car winch, typically used for removing engines, you can easily winch out the stumps. Conifer roots are relatively shallow, and this method is efficient and minimises the risk of damaging any underground pipes or utilities.

The stumps themselves aren’t suitable for shredding and will need to be removed separately.

Step 2: Soil Preparation for the New Hedge

Once the hedge is removed, you will find that the soil beneath is depleted and compacted. To restore the soil’s health, you’ll want to apply a top dressing of Growmore fertiliser and lime, which raises the pH and boosts nutrient levels. Adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will also help to improve the soil’s structure, adding humus and promoting microbial activity.

Using Chicken Manure Pellets
If you don’t have pets or can temporarily section off the area, chicken manure pellets are a great way to further enrich the soil. They encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi, which helps the soil recover more quickly. However, if you have dogs, be aware that they may find the pellets irresistible and try to eat the soil after application!

Aeration and Digging
Proper soil aeration is critical. Use a fork to dig over the area, loosening the soil and mixing in the fertiliser. The more time and effort you put into soil preparation, the more success you’ll have with your new hedge and the quicker it will grow. It’s far more effective to create a healthy growing environment than to spend money on instant hedging, which might not thrive without proper soil conditioning.

Step 3: Installing the New Hedge

Once the soil is ready, cover the area with ground sheeting to prevent weeds from invading the new hedge bed. You can also install a leaky hose beneath the sheeting. This allows you to easily water the hedge during dry spells by connecting the hose to your garden tap. Consistent watering will make a significant difference in helping your new hedge establish quickly.

The new hedge is planted through the ground sheeting 

Choosing the Right Hedge

There are several types of hedges you can choose from, each with its pros and cons. Here are some examples

1. Yew (Taxus baccata):
   Yew is a popular choice for a fast-growing, hardy hedge. It can be purchased at a decent height and is highly resistant to climate change. Yew hedges are also long-lasting and make an excellent investment for the future. Often planted as root wrapped plants.
2. Privet:
   Privet is a traditional and budget-friendly option. With proper preparation and regular clipping, it will grow quickly and form a dense hedge. Feeding with a high-nitrogen fertiliser like Miracle-Gro will encourage faster establishment. Privet can also be planted as bare-root plants, reducing initial costs.
3. Photinia:
   Photinia makes for a vibrant hedge, producing red shoots in the spring. However, it has recently gained a bad reputation due to its susceptibility to fungal diseases like leaf spot. In most cases, these issues can be avoided with proper feeding and maintenance.
4. Beech and Hornbeam:
   These species create beautiful hedges but are among the more challenging to establish. Beech and Hornbeam rely heavily on a mycorrhizal association in the soil, meaning they should be planted before Christmas when the soil is still warm. Be aware that failure rates increase significantly if planted after the soil temperature drops in the new year as the weather cools. These species are best planted as pot-grown plants rather than bare-root.

When replacing an old conifer hedge, it’s crucial to invest time in proper soil preparation. Doing so ensures that your new hedge establishes quickly and grows vigorously. While instant hedging may seem like a tempting shortcut, well-prepared soil will allow smaller, more affordable plants to catch up in no time. Remember to choose your new hedge species wisely, factoring in the long-term care, climate resilience, and maintenance needs.

Images from Depositphotos

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