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Hedging
Stephen256
Posts: 2
in Plants
My neighbours have asked me my views on replacing their aging panel fence ( 60 foot) on our shared border.I think a hedge would be a great idea and although having to maintain it would look so much better than wooden panels at present.How long does a beech hedge take to get to a point where it provides security and what height of tree and when is the best time to plant new hedge.
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One thing to take into account is the age of your neighbours. Would they be able to maintain a hedge? I have both hedges and fences in my garden and I have to admit that fences are the easier option. Instant privacy, no maintenance. They go up, fall down, instantly replaced. I know all the arguments about hedges being good for wildlife etc but they do have their bad points - take years to get to a good height and then you spend all your time and perhaps money keeping them there. And they impoverish the soil in front of them.
You have just issued the cut off point for beer rooted hedging so you would need to wait until the autumn unless you can afford potted hedging. Buying big doesn't always mean good - sometimes bigger plants sit and sulk for ages while the smaller ones romp away. I would go for plants about. 24-30 inches high.
That should have read - missed the cut off point for bare rooted.
If your garden is wide enough and you have enough time and money (lots of IFs!), best option is a fence + a hedge.That's what I have in my smallish garden (on 2 sides).
See my garden plan at http://www.rezeau.org/wp-garden/en/garden-plan-2/
I would second the hedge plus fence option providing the hedge isn't on the shady side of the fence. If you go for the hedge only option, then make sure there is some sort of visible boundary marker to avoid any disputes in the future.
Thanks for posts.My neighbours are mid thirties with 1 small child and 2 cats,
.They don't spend too much time gardening, so perhaps fence and hedge is good option as my side gets the sun most of the day.I have 2 beech hedges on my other borders which are my pride and joy and really enjoy the appearance and wildlife we get. Pruning takes about 4 hours,but perhaps another large hedge would make too much work. Food for thought. Thanks again
Beech hedge would take 3 to 4 years to grow from 80cm bare root whips to 6 foot if planted at the right time and looked after. They won't provide security or privacy especially in the winter when a lot of the leaves will drop. Summer they will provide a decent screen. For extra security and privacy you would want two offset rows given a hedge 3ft wide perhaps. fine for a front garden but no good if you neighbours move and you don't like your new neighbours. 6ft wooden fence is the want you want.