How to Grow Types Of Hedges - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Types of hedges is important to know when you are trying to create privacy or simply add some decoration to your yard. There are many different kinds of plants that can be used as hedges, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Some common types of hedges include evergreens, deciduous, and flowering plants.

How to Grow Types Of Hedges - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Arboretum
  • Arbovitae
  • Bamboo
  • Boxwood
  • Cactus

Things to Know

  • A hedge is a row of closely planted shrubs or other plants that are grown together to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area.
  • Hedges can be made from a variety of plant species, including evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs, and even herbaceous plants.
  • Hedges can be used to provide privacy, to reduce noise, to block wind, and to create a windbreak.
  • Hedges can also be used to create a visual barrier or to simply add aesthetic value to a landscape.
  • When choosing plants for a hedge, it is important to consider the plant’s mature size, growth habit, and required maintenance.
  • Evergreen hedges are a good choice for privacy screens or windbreaks, while deciduous hedges can provide visual interest in the winter when other plants are dormant.
  • Formal hedges are usually clipped on a regular basis to maintain their shape, while informal hedges are left to grow naturally.
  • Hedges can be planted in a variety of ways, including directly into the ground, in containers, or as part of a living fence.
  • Hedges can be susceptible to damage from wind, snow, ice, and heavy rains.
  • Proper care and maintenance of hedges is essential to keeping them healthy and looking their best.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Bush Types

Planting Process

  1. For types of hedges, first step is to identify your purpose for growing the hedge. Some people want a decorative hedge to add curb appeal to their home, while others want a privacy hedge to block out nosy neighbors. There are also many people who want a mix of both.
  2. The next step is to choose the type of plant that you want to use for your hedge. Some popular choices include evergreens, such as yews or boxwoods, or deciduous plants, such as privet or hydrangeas.
  3. Once you have chosen the type of plant, you will need to decide on the height and width of the hedge. This will help you determine how many plants you will need to purchase.
  4. It is important to prepare the planting bed before you add any plants. This includes removing all weeds and loosening the soil.
  5. When you are ready to plant, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  6. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  7. Water the plant well and continue to water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  8. Fertilize the hedge according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  9. Once the hedge has reached the desired height, you can begin to shape it. This can be done with shears, electric trimmers, or even a lawn mower.
  10. Be sure to clean up any fallen leaves or branches to keep the hedge looking neat and tidy.

Related plant:
Rose Bush Types

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, well-drained soil is necessary and it should be high in organic matter. The soil should be loose so that the roots can easily penetrate it. If the soil is too dense, it will compact and the roots will have a difficult time growing.

Light condition

Just like other plants, hedges need sunlight to live and grow. However, how much sun each type of hedge needs can vary. For example, yews and boxwoods can tolerate shady conditions, while privets need at least six hours of sun exposure each day. When choosing a hedge for your garden, be sure to take into account the amount of sun or shade the area receives.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition can have a significant effect on hedges, as some species are more tolerant to cold than others. For example, evergreen hedges such as yew and box are well-suited to colder climates, while more delicate varieties such as privet and holly may suffer in very cold weather. It is important to choose the right hedge for your climate, as this can help to ensure its long-term health and ensure that it provides the desired level of privacy and protection.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. The plant prefers well-drained, moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. It is best to water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant care products contains various nutrients that are necessary for the growth of hedges. There are products that contain a single nutrient, such as nitrogen, and there are products that contain a mixture of nutrients. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the type of hedge you have and the time of year. For example, evergreen hedges need a different fertilizer than deciduous hedges. As for the root, the root system of a hedge is very important. It is what anchors the hedge in the ground and provides the nutrients that the hedge needs to grow. There are two types of root systems:Taproots and Fibrous Roots. Taproots are found in trees and shrubs that have a deep, central root system. Fibrous roots are found in hedges that have a shallow, spreading root system.

Light requirement

Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Hedges are typically pruned in order to maintain their shape or to promote growth. There are several different types of pruning, including shearing, thinning, and renewal pruning.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources, including seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. Hedges can be propagated from seed, cuttings, and division. Seed: Collect seed from the hedge in late summer or early fall. sow the seed in a cold frame or protected outdoor area in late fall or early winter. Seedlings will appear the following spring. Cuttings: Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Place the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix and keep them moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Division: Division can be done in early spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and divide it into smaller sections. Replant the sections immediately.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast, making them a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to add some greenery to their property. Some of the most popular types of hedges include yew, Thuja, boxwood, and holly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that they can get too big for their space, and require a lot of trimming to keep them looking neat and tidy. If you don't have the time or inclination to do this, then you may be better off choosing another type of plant for your garden.

Tips on Growing

  • If you are looking to add privacy or create a visual barrier, consider planting a hedge.
  • When selecting a plant for your hedge, consider its mature height and width, as well as its growth habit.
  • Once you have selected a plant, make sure to space the individual plants properly to allow for adequate air circulation and light penetration.
  • To encourage dense growth, prune hedges regularly.
  • When watering hedges, be sure to apply water at the base of the plant rather than from the top.
  • Fertilize hedges twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • To control pests and diseases, regularly inspect hedges and treat accordingly.
  • If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, take steps to protect hedges from wind, snow, and ice damage.
  • In order to keep hedges looking their best, periodically remove dead or damaged branches.

Alternative Plants

  • Birch hedge
  • Boxwood hedge
  • Laurel hedge
  • Privet hedge
  • Rose hedge
  • Yew hedge
  • Beech hedge
  • Cypress hedge
  • Juniper hedge
  • Arborvitae hedge

Source:
Types of Headscarves – arts, ink. - University of Michigan
Introduction to Hodge-type Structures - Harvard University
HOME - Library - Terry P. McMahan Library at Hodges University

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