Buying & growing a hedge - any advice/tips?

[OD]

Hello EDF,

I have a 30ft space to fill where I took down an ivy laden/broken down fence. After receiving several very high prices quotes for new fencing, I'm thinking now that instead of a lap fence I'd replace with a hedge.

Has anyone done this? Are there any nuseries/suppliers of hedges in the local area? Do you have tips on size of plants to buy and how many to buy to fill the space? Any other tips for success?

I'm almost decided on type of hedge - privet, but not decided on size of plants, but I do realise that the bigger the plants the more expensive they are, but dont want to start from scratch either!!!

Thanks in advance!!

OD

[computedshorty]

If I had the choice of doing it different I would not plant Leylandie Trees, these need topping twice a year or you have five foot grouth, also you can cut your own side but not the other, your neighbour might like to trim it themselves to stop you treading on their plants, but a time will come when perhaps they move and your new neighbour just does not like them.

A fence can be two metres high so that should serve, you can plant something to climb the fence if you want more privacy, you can paint your side if it is yours but if it belongs to your neighbour you cant.

Think ahead will you want or be able to trim growing trees or bushes?

I cant and there are problems.

This is a picture of my Leyladii trees that overhang next doors garden, they have hacked them to look dead, the seek that the council makes me cut them, I would if I were more mobile but at 82 i only have limited movement.

I would not mind paying some one to cut them.

I dont think that they are very garden proud anyway.

[OD]

Hello CS thanks for your response. I'm in a good position, as any new hedge will border my private garden and the other side is the communal garden to which I also have access.... so no 'issues' with the neighbours so to speak.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I think about October is the best time to plant hedging. The London Wildlife Centre in Marsden Road sell native striplings for about ?1, eg, Hawthorn, Beech, Hazel.

[OD]

@CS - no that doesnt look very good at all.

@PGC - thanks for the info, will see what they have on offer!!

[fl0wer]

Yes, please plant a double, staggered row of shrub-sized native trees.

2m is the preferred height for boundary hedges, NB.

The technique in the first few years, to create a good framework, is to weave plenty of the branches horizontally. The less thorny they are, the easier - but blackthorn, hawthorn, holly, rose, bramble and berberis are fierce enough to turn into a 'security' fence if that is what you would like. Don't prune off any winter berries as this type of planting sustains creatures like a bird table. Tapering the cut so the base is wider than the top will help the hedge shed snow.

The most biodiverse hedge has plants growing in layers at several heights, plus if you can arrange it, some drystone walling and a few logs with gaps between, to allow for hibernators.

ED has plenty of privet already, much of it obstructing the pavements. It keeps growing until the temperature falls below 9C so without clipping it soon becomes a bore. The RSPB says leave it between May and August for the sake of nesting birds.