Hedge Maintenance Nightmares Ц What you Should Not Plant

Articles on Hedges | Topics: hedges, hedge, bushes, bush

by Tess Sanchez

The beauty of a hedge lies not only in its outward appearance, but also in its character. Most hedges can be virtually left to thrive on nature's own elements, with the occasional pruning if desired. Although this all sounds nice and stress-free, when you add hedges to your existing landscape, things can get a little tricky. If you have heard of or if you simply fear hedge maintenance nightmares, you should certainly think before adding a hedge to your property. While you should not be scared to add, you should research the proper type of hedge for your yard, your schedule, and the suspected location of planting. By researching beforehand, you will be able to know exactly what you should not plant and choose something appropriate for your needs.

If you want to avoid hedge maintenance nightmares, you should first research different types of hedges. When doing research consider how often each species needs to be pruned. If a species needs to be pruned often, you may not want to plant it. Look for those that are basically maintenance-free. These varieties may need to be pruned once a year and some may be able to thrive without any pruning at all. When you forgo pruning you may end up with a more erratic style, but if you are against maintenance altogether, these will work for you.

Another thing you should definitely look at when researching is the height of the hedge at its mature age. This will also be important when trying to think of the location in which you want to plant your hedge. If you choose a hedge that gets too tall for the area, it may become a maintenance nightmare. For instance, if you plant a hedge right under a power line and you don't know it will grow over 20 feet tall, you could find yourself trimming it more often than you'd like. Never plant hedges that will grow very tall under any type of wire or roofing. You will only be creating a hazard and stress for yourself later.

аQuote of the Day

All praise of the hawk on fire in hawk-eyed dusk be sung,
When his viperish fuse hangs looped with flames under the brand
Wing, and blest shall
Young
Green chickens of the bay and bushes cluck, “dilly dilly,
Come let us die.”

—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)

When considering height, remember to also consider width and other growth patterns. You can find hedges that like to grow strait upward or you can find those that like to sprawl horizontally as well. If you don't consider these things however, you could end up with a hedge that wants to overtake other plants in your yard, your fence, or your neighbor's property as well. If these things happen, you will likely be in a hedge maintenance nightmare trying to constantly keep your hedge exactly where it needs to be. Never plant a hedge too close to your neighbor's property without asking their opinion first. If they are willing to allow the hedge to grow as it wishes you won't have to worry about as much maintenance. However if they are picky about the issue, you may want to avoid all stress and plant a different variety or choose another location.

Remember as well that some hedges don't tolerate pruning very well. Many conifers like Leyland and Lawson's cypress are included in this grouping. Be sure you know exactly what your hedge likes, so you don't ruin a beautiful plant. If you are unsure about these things, just research on the web or ask the specialist at your local nursery.

Overall, if you are looking for a hedge that does not require much maintenance, you need to look for those varieties that are slow growing and only require up to one pruning per year. If you accidentally purchase a fast growing hedge you will find yourself pruning about once a month, which may be a nightmare in itself. Decide how much time you want to devote to your hedge and choose accordingly. Some people may think three prune sessions a year is a nightmare while others may be able to tolerate that amount well. Remember, where you plant a hedge has a lot to do with how well you enjoy its beauty and functionality. If you choose a spot that is inappropriate you may find yourself stuck with a hedge that is killing the roots of other plants or bothering your neighbor. Just be sure not to choose something that gets too tall, too wide, or needs pruning too often and you will be fine.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Hedge Maintenance Nightmares Ц What you Should Not Plant" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.

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