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Placing fence in front of a beech hedge

littleshakespearelittleshakespeare Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have a long run of beech hedge along our back garden. In the winter it has large empty patches where we get to look at the neighbours from October to May, we have absolutely no privacy. Over the last 10 years we've followed all the advice regarding pruning etc to get the gaps to fill out, to no avail. The hedge is approximately 10-12 ft high, and I would like to put a 6ft fence in front of it. However, it faces south, so I'm worried that blocking its light would kill it. Could anyone tell me if the hedge would survive with a fence in front of it? I would place the fence a good half a metre away from the hedge so that I can still access it for pruning. Has anyone else done this? Many thanks.

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    You'll be fine, the bottom part of the hedge in the shadow of the fence may become a bit sparse, but the parts sticking up above the fence and on the other side facing your neighbour will be unaffected.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    edited April 2023
    I agree with Loxley.

    The roots under the fence will get their drink and minerals from the ground.
    The leaves and branches above the fence will make food from the sun and grow further.
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We have a privet hedge running the length of our garden next to the road. When we moved here in 1978 we put a fence behind it,  on the inside of our garden. The privet has continued to grow (while some of it does die back in the winter). It has given us a screen from the road and people walking by. Yes the panels are starting to show their age but we replace when we can.The hedge is facing SE.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited April 2023
    Your beech hedge should be OK with the fence as you describe.  It can stand a fair amount of shade.

    Beech hedges should keep their leaves on during the winter, But last year especially a wide-spread attack by a mite caused early leaf-fall.  The mite is related to greenhouse red spider mite, qv., it thrives in hot dry conditions.  There are solutions, search through last years posts, or seacrh beech mite.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • littleshakespearelittleshakespeare Posts: 2
    Thank you all so much for you replies, much appreciated. It's given me the confidence to go ahead with the fence - it will be wonderful to not have to look at the neighbours all winter long!
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