If there is nothing else in your yard or gardens, hedges are a great thing to have. There are a lot of advantages to having plants in your yard. Gardening is actually considered to be good exercise. For anyone who is stuck inside at a desk all day, gardening is a great way to get outside. Also, things like raking leaves, pulling weeds, and digging holes can provide you with a nice break from your usual sedentary lifestyle. Not to mention that having nice gardens adds value to your home and increases its aesthetic appeal. No matter where you live, there is always going to be a plethora of various trees, shrubs, and flowers you can plant in your area. Today, our team at Five Star Tree Services is going to focus on hedges.
Hedges: What Are They?
A hedge is used to:
-divide areas from one another
-to serve as a barrier
-make a territory
There are numerous things you can do with hedges; it all depends on what you specifically want to plant them for. Shrubs, flowers, trees, and other plants can be used as a hedge as long as they are planted close together. Hedges can be classified into two types, informal and tall.
Informal Hedges
These are what naturally grow. They blend in naturally with their surroundings and help to divide a space without limiting it like tall hedges do. Informal hedges are perfect for beginners as they don’t require much time.
Tall Hedges
These are typically plants that grow tall and densely. They are great for privacy, as they can grow very tall and prevent anyone from peering through them.
Great Hedge Plants for Beginners
Just like most things, there are good hedges for beginners and then there are some meant for more intermediate and expert gardeners. Beginners need to pick plants that are easy to maintain and care for, at least until you become more familiar with gardening. Here are a few of the best plants to use for a hedge that are great for beginners.
Evergreen Euonymus
These plants are able to grow 10-20 feet in width and length. Making these perfect for enforcing boundaries and adding privacy. This particular species is also very vibrant and green but the leaves do turn red in the fall.
Flowering Currant
You either have to plant this in the spring or fall. You should never plant them in the winter as they don’t like freezing temperatures. When you do go to plant them, make sure they are 30 inches apart to avoid overcrowding and in order to get the best size and length. These will live and grow for a solid 20 years. The important thing about them is to prune at the right time and provide proper care.
Forsythia
This small bush only grows 4-6 feet and has long branches with bright yellow bulbs. When it blooms, the leaves don’t block the pretty flowers. It should be kept in full sun, with moist soil.
Leylandii
These are big, beautiful, and very strong. Perfect statement pieces for your yard. It needs well-drained, fertile, moist soil and full sun exposure.
Hornbeam
For small yards, this is the perfect hedge to have. It might have an acquired taste in appearance but where it lacks pizzazz it makes up for in strength. You can get the most bang for your buck with this hedge as it can live for 300 years!
Hedge Planting Tips
If you are a beginner, you are constantly learning new things about hedging. The planting and care of hedges should not be difficult. Here are some basic tips when planting hedges.
Do Your Research Prior to Planting
Every plant is different, which means that the care and maintenance is going to be different as well. It’s important to know how each plant grows, how much sunlight it needs, and how much water it requires in order to thrive and provide you with a beautiful hedge. This is why research is important before you run and buy the first one you come across; it might not be suited for your yard conditions. Once you know what once can thrive in your yard, you will be better prepared for planting and caring for it.
What Hedge Height Do You Want?
Considering the height you want for your hedge can help you narrow down your options. Many hedges grow to different heights and widths, it’s important to pick one that suits your needs, particularly if you are limited in space. The perfect hedge for your property is out there, no matter how big or small your yard is.
Pruning Your Hedges
When trimming or pruning your hedges, you need to use the right power trimmers or hand shears. The best way to keep your hedges looking neat and tidy is to trim off branch tips and any unruly leaves. This also allows you to thin out the plant, allowing inner branches and leaves the chance to get more sunlight. For more meticulous control, hand pruning is the best technique for this.
Only Prune During Winter
The best time to prune your hedges is in the winter. This is because it should be hibernating. Which allows you to trim and prune away without the risk of damaging or stunting its growth.
Maintaining Hedge Form
Hedge form is important, you don’t want it growing wide at the top. If this happens, you will see that it is in a V shape. This inhibits light getting to the under parts of the hedge from the dense upper level. Hand pruning becomes an important aspect of keeping a desired shape, so that sunlight can get to as many leaves as possible, not just the top.
How Five Star Tree Service Can Help
Adding hedges to your property is a great way to make them look good, while also providing you with privacy. Doing your research before buying them is vitally important. Proper planning will ensure you get beautiful hedges in no time! Our team at Five Star Tree Services can help you maintain them with our hedges trimming service in Richmond Hill. Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!