Replacing fence with hedge: advice please!

Blackdogjnr · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 10:33 AM

Howdy.

I currently have a rather grim looking fence in my garden, the panels are warping and bang in the wind and I generally hate the sight of it.

I want to replace it with a hedgehog and bird friendly hedge of some sort.
However, I'm not really sure where to begin or how much this will cost!

There are currently conrete posts (about 6 feet tall) supporting the panels, obviously they'd be difficult to move and I like the idea of keeping them in for support.

So what I'm looking for is a plant/shrub that'll grow quite quickly to create the same height and fill out the area (we also want a bit of privacy). Thus enveloping the posts....

Would you guys reccomend I order online?
Would I have to dig out the ground and replace the soil etc as well?
Are there rules for planting, distances apart and treatments?
I fear this may be more than just an afternoons worth of work!

Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated!

djackso · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Buckingham Nurseries do really cheap, bare-rooted plants and online ordering (although if you can get there and pick your own - that is better) - plan now for this autumn. Very good value and they have native species and offer advice. I went there to get my "twigs" and the quality was very good, so all but one survived the winter. You'll need to do lots of double digging; a square hole is recommended (4 corners anchor the established roots better - lots of organic material, especially if your soil is poor).

A temporary repair of the old fence may be needed while the plants establish, or you can buy cheap screening material from garden centres.

Blackdogjnr · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 11:42 AM

Excellent!
Thanks chap.

I forgot to ask, you mention autumn, is there a best time to do this?
For instance, if I can't afford it (I'm getting married in September!!!) would next spring be a good time?

Cheers

djackso · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:29 PM

Hi, I believe spring is ok - early (while plant is dormant) but on a frost-free day. Others may dispute this.

Good luck (oh, and congrats re. wedding)

DJ

djackso · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:32 PM

Sorry, forgot to mention, laying a hedge in a double layered, zig-zag fashion gives a more dense effect, and less gaps; it would produce a thicker hedge too - I imagine this would be better for hedgehogs.

Blackdogjnr · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 12:33 PM

heh heh thanks for that.
I actually have just looked on the Buckingham Nurseries page and theres loads of info on preparing and planting. Cheers.

I think my only worry really is that there are 2 large bushes either side of the fence, so if I were to plant a hedge, there'd be a worry that they'd over crowd or block out sunlight from the young plants....

hmmmmmmmmmmmm....

djackso · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 01:09 PM

Holly is evergreen and very good in low light and for competing with other roots - in my experience. There will be other shrubs/trees too.

And not sure about using it for the whole hedge - wildlife hedges are often mixed though.

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 08:12 PM

I tend to prefer Berberis Darwinii for hedges. Evergreen with small holly like leaves but slightly easier to train into a hedge than most hollies. Orange/yellow flowers in spring followed by dark berries which blackbirds love, but they do leave purple 'thank you notes' everywhere.

Not the fastest of growers, but very hardy and makes good nest sites.

Alternatively some of the Cotoneasters are quick growing, with berries in autumn. There are deciduous and evergreen varieties.

The traditional blackthorn makes a quick growing deciduous hedge but you need to be careful of the thorns when trimming.

Blackdogjnr · #9 (**permalink**) 28-07-2008, 02:57 PM

Okay, so I've planted a few leylandii to see how they fill out and do the job.

Anyone know if they require special feed?

I've tried googling it but to no avail.

is water and sunshine enough?

m1.carson · #10 (**permalink**) 28-07-2008, 03:24 PM

Hi,

Leave the posts, string wire through them, then put pig wire on the stringers, pig wire has approx. 6 inch appertures which will allow hedghogs and even foxes through, and give your plants a good climbing frame.

I think your choice of leylandii is not a good one, unless you want a fence incredibly high, I wasn't even sure you could still get them as they cause so many court cases between neighbours.

Max.