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Clear stemming an established red robin hedge
catrinwilliamseNU8RYUM
Posts: 2
Hello! We have an established red robin hedge which provides a nice privacy screen above the boundary fence at the back of our garden. I had the idea to cut back the foliage to create bear stems which would create a tree-like appearance and enable us to plant more of a variety at the base of the boarder.
As the hedge is currently around 5m tall however, would this result in instability due to the hedge becoming top heavy?
Are there any guides available on how to do this effectively?
Finally, any advice on the best flowering plants/ shrubs to plant at the base would be much appreciated! The area is in full sun with perhaps some dappled shade created by the hedge above.
TIA!
As the hedge is currently around 5m tall however, would this result in instability due to the hedge becoming top heavy?
Are there any guides available on how to do this effectively?
Finally, any advice on the best flowering plants/ shrubs to plant at the base would be much appreciated! The area is in full sun with perhaps some dappled shade created by the hedge above.
TIA!
0
Posts
I've started doing the same to one I've inherited in a mixed hedge. Mine will end up as a tree but yours will be mre of a pleached hedge given there's a row of them.
You need to start by arming yourself with some good, sharp, bypass loppers to remove the lowest stems from each trunk. You need to make clean cuts, close to the trunk so they heal well. It will be a shock to the plant so don't go mad and lift the whole crown at once. Just do a foot or two at a time now and then take it higher in autumn when the sap flow has slowed down.
The soil below will probably be dry and denuded of nutrients so, before any new planting begins, you need to improve it by adding lots of organic material such as well-rotted garden compost and/or manure and any spent compost from pots. Layer this on after a good soaking so you don't lock in dryness and then leave it for the worms and other soil organisms to work in. Take the opportunity to widen th ebed so you have more scope for planting and less competiton from hedge roots.
Start by planting spring bulbs in the autumn and then add perennials suitable for your soil type, aspect, exposure and desired colour scheme.