Willow Hedge
Hello
Last March we planted a living willow hedge on the boundary of our organic garden to obscure the barn conversion next door. We chose willow over conifers as there are a lot of willow growing in this area and they were reported to be fast growing.
We followed the planting instructions to the letter, laying the weed suppression membrane and planting through this. Growth last year was encouraging with some shooting up, but this year, though all are in leaf, some plants are 7 feet high and some 2-4 feet high.
I feel I should feed the hedge, but am a bit uncertain about this. My thoughts are, apply liquid seaweed or comfrey and let it soak into the membrane and then cover the membrane with garden compost or comfrey leaves, so that rains will carry more nutrients to the roots. Would this work?
Has anyone planted a living willow hedge and how are you getting on? Our soil here in Snowdonia is acid. Site is east through South aspect. Location Berwyn Hills, Gwynedd.
Many thanks. Look forward your replies.
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I think water is much more important than feed for willows - willow is a native plant and those growing in the wild don't get fed ... I would give them lots of water ... not sure about Snowdonia, II've been there in torrential weather, but most of the UK has had a very dry spring, and although membrane is permeable I've a feeling it may not let all the water through. I'd give each plant a couple of buckets of water a week through the summer unless you're in the middle of an actual downpour.
Also, don't forget, for the first couple of years the plants will be forming a good root system to support what are going to be big trees.
Last edited: 23 May 2017 10:28:54
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks Dovefromabove for your comments. I do water the hedge regularly but might increase this. Last week we have three inches of rain! Lovely and sunny the last two days, but more rain forecast for here for the weekend.