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Hedges

dozyrosiedozyrosie Posts: 15
in Problem solving
Hi I'm a relative novice and I'm helping a friend to rejuvenate her overgrown and neglected garden. This forum is a mine of information and advice generously shared - thank you! My problem: her garden is bordered by two large hedges about a metre thick and 2-3 metres high which make it seem dark and narrow. I've already cut back a lot but it seems very woody... Will it grow back if I cut it hard? It's way too high at the moment and I'm trying to reduce height and overcrowding at the same time... If I can I'll post photos as I'm not sure what kind of hedge it is. Thanks!
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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    Hi Dozyrosie image

    To post a photo on here you need to click on the green tree icon on the toolbar above where you type your post, and follow the instructions. 

    Afraid it doesn't work for iphones, yet!

    If you're having a problem give us a shout image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    It does depend on the type of hedge rosie so a pic will be helpful.

    Do it before you cut all the greenery away though image

    If it's conifer - it won't grow back from being cut back into old wood , so it might already be too late! 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    The hedges in the farmers' environmental schemes in Wales are cut back to ground level, and they all spring up again. Virtual coppicing in effect. When they reach a suitable height they can be cut and laid if that's what you want or otherwise kept in check.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    That works great with most hedges - but I'm sure Welshonion will agree that's not advisable with a conifer hedge image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Mr E BuschMr E Busch Posts: 19

    You must watch out for the wildflowers. I've been told that they live on the hedge and don't like to be disturbed, being quiet, privet things.

  • dozyrosiedozyrosie Posts: 15

    It's definitely not a conifer. It could be an evergreen privet, I think. I can't upload a photo - still learning how to use my Mac...

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    If it's privet then cutting hard back will do it the world of good - clear out rubbish from the base of the hedge and keep it trimmed in an A shape, wider at the base than at the top - this will help to keep it healthy image

    An application of Fish Blood and Bone in the spring, as directed on the packet, will give it a boost image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    My goodness, I would not suggest it with a conifer hedge. First step would be to find out what it consists of. Unfortunately posters rarely give us enough information.



    Rural, town, suburban? Conifer, deciduous? Varieties? Height? Berried? Slow-growing? Etc, etc.
  • Mr E BuschMr E Busch Posts: 19

    Some conifers have needles and thus can self-sew. Cut it down and make yourself a new fir coat.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

     

    Mr E Busch wrote (see)

    Some conifers have needles and thus can self-sew. Cut it down and make yourself a new fir coat.

     

    image

    Are you taking something?

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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