I would think (but don't know for certain) that you might need to leave a minimum of 6ft circle around each tree. Hopefully one of the tree 'experts' on here might be able to advise better. Are you allowed to erect trellis on the top of the fence? That way you could plant climbers behind the trees instead of bushes.
One question I do have around the planting is that if Hornbeam holds its leaves, does this mean that I’d need to plant a row of those at the back and then a staggered row of some of the other deciduous plants in a staggered second row a foot or so in front of them?
Otherwise I’m thinking if I mixed hornbeam with plants that lost their leaves on a single row then I’m going to end up with gaps in the ‘screening’ in Winter (as only the hornbeam would retain the leaves)
so would the staggered approach be best? A row of, say hornbeam or red robin or something along those lines, at the back row and then plant a second row of something a foot in front of that in a staggered pattern for some colour etc? Then i’d have a good screening row at the back and it wouldn’t matter too much what was in the front row as I wouldn’t have to worry about screening etc and could focus on colours etc?
hopefully that makes sense. If my logic is wrong I’d be grateful if someone could correct me!
What you propose makes perfect sense to me, Chris. Staggered pattern hedging is the norm for double row planting. As others have said, just make sure you follow recommended planting distances. Dig over your soil really well, improving it with some well-rotted bagged manure or compost. Watering is key when getting a new hedge to establish in the first couple of years. Generous, deep watering less often is much better than a frequent sprinkling, so the water soaks right down to the roots. Mulch the newly planted trees/shrubs too, to conserve water and reduce weed competition.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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Otherwise I’m thinking if I mixed hornbeam with plants that lost their leaves on a single row then I’m going to end up with gaps in the ‘screening’ in Winter (as only the hornbeam would retain the leaves)
so would the staggered approach be best? A row of, say hornbeam or red robin or something along those lines, at the back row and then plant a second row of something a foot in front of that in a staggered pattern for some colour etc? Then i’d have a good screening row at the back and it wouldn’t matter too much what was in the front row as I wouldn’t have to worry about screening etc and could focus on colours etc?
hopefully that makes sense. If my logic is wrong I’d be grateful if someone could correct me!
thanks
Chris
I wasn’t aware of having to leave an area around a tree so I’m learning a lot today and glad there are helpful people on here!