A living fence, created by planting a dense line of shrubs or small trees, provides a natural and functional boundary. This installation offers year-round privacy, acts as a windbreak, and enhances the visual appeal of a property. Using hedge bushes is a long-term investment that requires thoughtful preparation and correct technique to ensure the plants establish quickly. Successful establishment begins with selecting the appropriate species and preparing the planting site, followed by precise installation and dedicated aftercare.
Selecting the Right Hedge and Site
The first step in establishing a living fence involves matching the plant material to the specific site conditions for long-term success. A fundamental choice is between deciduous and evergreen species, as this determines year-round coverage and maintenance requirements. Evergreen hedges, such as Arborvitae or Cherry Laurel, provide continuous screening and wind protection but often require more frequent pruning to maintain a formal shape. Deciduous options, like Hornbeam or Beech, lose their leaves seasonally, but many hold onto dry foliage through winter, offering coverage while filtering wind effectively.
Beyond foliage type, consider the mature height and spread of the selected plant to ensure it fits the intended space. Choosing a plant that is locally suitable and resilient to the region’s climate minimizes the risk of failure and reduces maintenance needs. The planting site itself must be evaluated for sun exposure, which dictates the plant species that will thrive, and for drainage, which is a major factor in root health. Plants should be set back a minimum of 18 to 24 inches from permanent structures or property lines to allow for future growth and maintenance access.
Preparing the Planting Trench
Proper soil preparation directly impacts the hedge’s establishment and long-term health. Begin by marking the hedge line using a string stretched between two stakes to ensure a straight planting row. The trench should be dug approximately two to three times the width of the plant’s root ball or spread, which allows the roots to expand easily into loosened soil.
The depth of the trench should be no deeper than the height of the root ball, as planting too deeply can suffocate roots by limiting oxygen availability. It is beneficial to fork over the subsoil at the bottom and sides of the trench to break up compaction and improve drainage, which is particularly important in heavy clay soils. Incorporating a generous amount of well-rotted organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the excavated soil improves structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. This enriched mixture will serve as the backfill to surround the new roots.
The Planting Process: Installation and Spacing
Before placing the plants, ensure the roots are well-hydrated, especially for bare-root stock, which should be soaked in water for about 30 minutes prior to planting. The correct planting depth is achieved when the root collar, the point where the stem meets the roots, sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line. For balled-and-burlapped plants, the top of the root ball should be positioned so that the trunk flare is visible and not buried.
Maintain consistent spacing between individual plants to ensure the development of a dense, uniform screen. Spacing is determined by the mature width of the species chosen and the desired density; a common practice for a tight hedge is to space plants at a distance equal to one-third to one-half of their mature spread. After placing the plants, backfill the trench with the prepared soil mixture, gently tamping it down to eliminate large air pockets around the roots. Finally, form a small ring of soil, known as a watering basin, around the base of the plants to help direct water toward the root zone during initial watering.
Initial Care for Establishment
The first year after planting is a vulnerable period for new hedges, requiring consistent attention to moisture levels to encourage root establishment and minimize transplant shock. Immediately after planting, provide a deep, thorough watering until the entire trench area is saturated, which settles the soil and removes any remaining air pockets. For the first few weeks, water the hedge every two to three days, especially during dry or warm weather, then gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a week for the remainder of the first growing season.
Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, over the planting area helps to conserve soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. The mulch layer should be kept several inches away from the plant stems to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rot. For bare-root or deciduous stock, initial pruning may involve cutting back the top growth by up to one-third to balance the top of the plant with the root system, stimulating lower branching and promoting a denser habit from the base.