Plant a hedge – how to succeed

A hedge gives form and structure to your garden while providing protection against wind and prying eyes. There are many hedge plants to choose from for different needs. A neatly trimmed hedge gives a natural and wild impression, while a hedge with a variety of plants adds life to the garden with its various characteristics.

A naturally growing hedge creates a wild and natural atmosphere. The plants are allowed to develop freely, usually blooming more abundantly. This type of hedge takes up a bit more space than a trimmed hedge, but it can be pruned to fit the garden. A good rule of thumb is to plant two to four plants per meter.

• Deciduous hedge plants: Hawthorn, chokeberry (Aronia), golden spirea, privet, lilac, and spiraea.

• Evergreen hedge plants: Thuja ‘Smaragd’, pine, rhododendron, and bay laurel.

A trimmed hedge provides a cleaner, more defined look with sharp lines. This type of hedge takes up less space than a naturally growing one, so plan for three to five plants per meter. Trim the hedge about twice per season.

• Deciduous hedge plants: Hornbeam, alpine currant, medlar, blue privet, and ligustrum.

• Evergreen hedge plants: Holly, thuja, yew.
  

Container-grown plants can be planted throughout the season. Bare-root plants should be planted early in the spring (April and May) or late in the fall. They may have netting or burlap around the root ball, which should be removed before planting. Here’s how to plant:

1. Dig a planting trench about 50–70 cm wide.
2. Remove all weeds nearby.
3. Water the plant roots before planting.
4. Place the root balls in the trench at the same height as they were in the pots. Fill in with a mix of planting soil and the original soil.
5. Cover the surface with grass clippings to prevent weeds and help retain moisture in the soil.

• Water regularly during the establishment period, then adjust watering based on temperature, rainfall, and the type of plant chosen.
• Keep weeds away during the first two to three years.
• Improve soil with cow manure in the spring and supplement with garden fertilizer when the hedge starts to turn green.
• In late winter, evergreen plants need protection with shade netting from the harsh sun.

A hedge is an investment that can elevate the atmosphere in your garden, whether you want a wild, natural look or sharp lines with striking contrasts. You can use it to create separate spaces in your garden, frame areas, or protect your garden from prying eyes. If you give it the right conditions to establish itself, it will be a beautiful feature in your garden for many years to come.

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