Size Matters in Creating the Perfect Hedge

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

by Ezekiel Quinn

When creating the perfect hedge, size certainly matters. For everyone, the perfect hedge size may not be the same. There are several factors that should be considered when trying to create the perfect hedge including:

hedge location

intended purpose of the hedge

The following paragraphs will discuss why size matters in creating the perfect hedge, and what sizes are appropriate with different aspects figured in.

First, if your hedges are located close to your home, you may want to cut them smaller to create the perfect hedge. When located on the corner of the house, it is generally okay to allow the hedges to become a little bigger. But in order to prevent your hedges from blocking the views from your windows, and preventing them from growing taller than your home, hedges near your house generally should be of the smaller variety, such as dwarf hedges. Imagine peering out your kitchen window to see you children playing outside, only to be looking smack dab into an overgrown hedge. Size matters in creating the perfect hedge since if you leave hedges located in a certain spot without maintaining it and let it grow too large; it will not be the perfect hedge.

Next, since size matters in creating the perfect hedge, you should consider the plants around the hedges when deciding the perfect hedge size. Some important questions to ask your self will include:

How tall can the hedge safely grow without blocking the sun from the other plants? Will the hedge block a wanted view?

How wide can the hedge safely grow without blocking your view of the other plants? Will the hedge grow out onto a path or driveway?

How far should I trim my hedges back from the edge of my landscape bed for best visual appearance?

Since size matters in creating the perfect hedge, you should never allow your hedge to grow so tall that it blocks the sun from your other flowers and plants. If you'd like larger hedges, but the ones you currently have are blocking the sun from the other plants in your landscape bed, you may want to consider another location in your yard for the hedges. A place where they can freely grow, without hampering the growth of other flowers and plants will be the ideal spot for your hedge.

Bit of History

Devil: I’ll tell you what. You want to hedge your bet with me? Make eternity a little less ... hellish?
Amanda: What did you have in mind?
Devil: Did you see Rosemary’s Baby?

—Blake Edwards (b. 1922)

This same concept falls into place when questioning the width of a perfect hedge. If the width of your hedge is so wide that it blocks your other flowers and plants from view, the hedge is then considered too wide. If you wish to have wide hedges, you could consider a different location in your yard for the hedge, where it can grow wide without blocking your view of your other flowers and plants. The same is true of hedges that are too tall.

On the other hand, if your hedges are not located near your house, or in your flower beds, the perfect size could be larger. People often use hedges to serve as:

property line markers

privacy fences

sound barriers

When being used to serve these purposes, and those like them, hedges should be allowed to grow tall. No other flowers or plants should be planted near the hedges, and they will be free to grow as tall and as wide as you would want, or need them to be. Hedges that are at least 6 feet tall make great privacy fences, while thicker hedges will help soften the sound of passing cars or loud neighbors. When hedges are planted in parts of your yard away from your house, you will not have to worry about large hedges taking over your home, or blocking the view from your windows.

Size matters in creating the perfect hedge. If your hedge is too big, it could cause inconveniences and headaches, and if it is too small, it won't serve well as a privacy barrier. Make sure to ask yourself a few questions before planting your hedges. This can help prevent some of these problems, as well as following some hedge trimming tips. Location is everything when it comes to the perfect hedge size.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Size Matters in Creating the Perfect Hedge" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.

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