How to Grow and Maintain Hedging Plants in the UK

If you are looking for a guide on growing and maintaining hedging plants in the UK, you’ve come to the right place! Hedging plants are a great way to add some greenery to your property and create a natural boundary for your garden. These plants are affordable and easy to grow, making them popular among gardeners. 

Fear not if you are new to gardening activities but want to improve your garden. Growing and maintaining hedging plants is simple and enjoyable. Just read and follow the tips and tricks we prepared for you to be completely confident in what you are doing. 

When to Plant a Hedge

The best time to plant a hedge, and start your new hobby, is in late October and early November. This is because the ground is usually still not frozen, and the roots can easily take hold. Moreover, there is less chance for the plants to be damaged by the cold weather.

To ensure that your hedge gets off to a good start, preparing the planting area before the actual planting is crucial. This means removing any weeds and loosening the soil. That way, the roots can quickly spread. You should also consider adding some organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, to help the plants grow.

What To Plant

There are many different types of hedging plants that you can grow in the UK. You need to consider several factors to make sure you choose the correct one. Such include the size and shape of your garden, the climate in your area, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Some of the most popular hedging plants you can plant in your garden are yew, boxwood, holly, and beech. These are relatively easy to grow and maintain and can provide a beautiful border for your garden.

When choosing a hedging plant, considering its growth habit is crucial. Some plants, like yew, grow very slowly and can take many years to reach their full size. Others, like boxwood, grow much more quickly. Another thing you need to consider is how tall you want your hedge to be. This will determine how far apart you have to plant the individual bushes.

Once you decide which type of hedge you want to grow, you must purchase some. Keep in mind that you need young plants. You can take these from a nursery or garden centre. Make sure to select healthy-looking specimens that have been well-cared for. You can also start your hedging project with either pot-grown or bare-root specimens. Usually, bare-root specimens are cheaper. However, remember that if you choose evergreens, they are typically sold root-wrapped in a fabric bag filled with soil. 

How to Plant a Hedge

If you can plant a tree or shrub, you can also plant a hedge. One of the most critical requirements is to prepare the soil with utmost care to give your hedge the best chance to establish.

First, as mentioned above, you must choose the right plant for your hedge. Consider the size and shape of your garden and the climatic conditions. After selecting the right plant, it’s time to get started. Dig a trench about twice as wide and deep as the root ball first, then use a spade or hoe to loosen up the soil at the bottom. As a result, the roots can establish themselves more easily. When you have finished planting your hedge, place the root ball in the trench, then fill it with soil and tamp it gently down. When the hedge is planted, water it well to establish the roots.

If you’re planting a row of hedges, make sure they’re spaced evenly to have enough room to grow. Once planted, water them well and mulch them with organic material such as bark chips or compost. Keeping weeds at bay will help retain moisture.

Soil Preparation

Preparing the soil for planting hedging plants is one of the most crucial steps in growing and maintaining them. You can prepare your soil by following a few simple steps. These steps are essential, so the roots of these plants can penetrate deep into the ground to anchor them and access nutrients.

The first step is to test the pH levels of your soil. This can be easily done with a simple soil test kit. You can purchase such from any garden centre or nursery. The ideal pH level for hedging plants is between 6.5 and 7.5. If your soil falls outside this range, adjust it before planting.

The second step is to add organic matter to your soil. This will help improve drainage and aeration and provide nutrients for your plants. Add organic matter such as compost, manure, or leaf mould. If you need to figure out how much to add, apply 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) for every square foot (0.09 m^2) area.

The third step is to till or dig your soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm). This will help to loosen it up and allow the roots to spread more quickly. If you have a small area to cover, you can do this by hand with a spade or hoe. Consider renting a tiller from a garden centre or nursery for larger areas.

Once you’ve prepared the soil, you’re ready to plant! Read your chosen plant’s label for information on planting depth, spacing, and other considerations. Water well after planting and mulch around the base of each plant with organic material to feed them. 

How to Prune Hedges

It is important to prune new hedges from their early stages to achieve the shape you desire.  Of course, the amount of pruning required depends on the type of hedge. Usually, it’s important to shape your hedges wider at the bottom, so the lower parts are exposed to more sunlight. 

Prune new hedges from their early stages to achieve the desired shape and promote healthy growth. The amount of pruning required depends on the type of hedge. It’s important to shape your hedges wider at the bottom to expose lower parts to more sunlight. Trim evergreens like box and privet two to three times per year between May and September. Leylandii requires more frequent trimming than other species, while beech and hornbeam are best cut at the end of August. Avoid pruning too early in spring if nesting birds are present.

It is best to trim evergreens, such as boxwood and privet, twice to three times per year during the growing season. The best time to do this is between May and September. Leylandii requires trimming more often than other species as a fast-growing hedge, whereas beech and hornbeam should be cut at the end of August. You should avoid pruning your hedges too early in the spring to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Of course, if you do not have the tools and skills to care for your hedges, you can always consult a company for professional garden maintenance. This will save you a lot of stress and time but will come at a price. On the positive side, using such services will help you learn more about your garden, the plants you have and how to improve your gardening skills. 

Problems You Might Face

One of the problems you might face when growing hedging plants is that they can be susceptible to several pests and diseases. For instance, boxwood is defenceless to boxwood psyllid. This is a tiny insect that feeds on the leaves of the plant. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, eventually killing the plant.  Holly is also susceptible to holly leaf miner. A small larvae that bores into the leaves of the plant and cause them to turn yellow or brown. If you notice any of these problems on your plants, contact a pest control specialist for advice.

Another problem is that they need pruning to stay healthy and look their best. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, remove dead or dying branches, and keep the plant’s shape tidy. It’s essential to prune hedges at the right time of year. This time can vary depending on the type of plant. For example, yew must be pruned in late spring or early summer, while boxwood must be pruned in late winter or early spring. 

If you live in an area with many deer, they may also like to eat hedging plants. Some plants are more deer-resistant than others, but there is no guarantee that deer won’t eat any of your plants if they’re hungry enough. If you’re concerned about deer damaging your hedge, try planting some deterrents, such as garlic or chilli peppers. You can also put up a fence around your garden, but this may not be practical or possible depending on the size and layout of your property. 

Conclusion

Planting hedging plants can be a fun activity. Just follow the mentioned tips, and you will enjoy the new look of your garden in no time. Remember to water them regularly and trim them when it is time. If you feel insecure about anything, ask a friend or a specialist.