The hedge has a 4 foot granite wall behind it - our boundary wall CC. Yes there is ivy growing at ground level which we try to pull out from time to time and the odd bit of bracken or fern. We don't especially water the hedge - the privet hedge has probably been there as long as the house - 140 years but the escallonia was planted about 25 years ago.
That hedge front faces East the back faces the wall and West CC. There is nothing growing in front of the hedge apart from a slim cherry tree approx 6 feet away from the hedge - in the lawn. At this time of year the lawn is cut approx. once every 10 - 14 days, and isn't particularly dry, but there is a lot of weed in the lawn, mostly daisies and clover.
Having a wall as your boundary gives you the peace of mind that if you decide to dig up and remove it altogether you will have security and privacy until your new hedge grows. But first I would be tempted to rip out and destroy all but the plants main stems down to a couple of feet. In the spring give it a serious feed and water it thoroughly fought nightly for a season.
If it doesn't respond dig the lot up and cleanse the soil in some way before replanting a new hedge.
Yes CC, I am thinking along those lines too. It would be worth forfeiting a year of new plant growth if we can save the existing hedge. I spoke to my OH who is sure it is honey fungus that is causing the dead looking hedge, but I am not convinced. It may be worth getting one of the plant specialists to take a look at it too, but I am inclined to agree with you. I'll keep you posted - thank you for your input.
Posts
The hedge has a 4 foot granite wall behind it - our boundary wall CC. Yes there is ivy growing at ground level which we try to pull out from time to time and the odd bit of bracken or fern. We don't especially water the hedge - the privet hedge has probably been there as long as the house - 140 years but the escallonia was planted about 25 years ago.
Which way is the hedge facing? N S E or West?
Is there something in front of it not in the photos, a tree, large bush or some such other structure starving it of sunlight?
The grass looks very dry.
Last edited: 19 October 2016 20:11:49
That hedge front faces East the back faces the wall and West CC. There is nothing growing in front of the hedge apart from a slim cherry tree approx 6 feet away from the hedge - in the lawn. At this time of year the lawn is cut approx. once every 10 - 14 days, and isn't particularly dry, but there is a lot of weed in the lawn, mostly daisies and clover.
Having a wall as your boundary gives you the peace of mind that if you decide to dig up and remove it altogether you will have security and privacy until your new hedge grows. But first I would be tempted to rip out and destroy all but the plants main stems down to a couple of feet. In the spring give it a serious feed and water it thoroughly fought nightly for a season.
If it doesn't respond dig the lot up and cleanse the soil in some way before replanting a new hedge.
Yes CC, I am thinking along those lines too. It would be worth forfeiting a year of new plant growth if we can save the existing hedge. I spoke to my OH who is sure it is honey fungus that is causing the dead looking hedge, but I am not convinced. It may be worth getting one of the plant specialists to take a look at it too, but I am inclined to agree with you. I'll keep you posted - thank you for your input.