The term “pedge” is a common misspelling of “hedge,” which is a recognized horticultural term. A hedge is a row of closely spaced shrubs or trees, planted and maintained to form a barrier or define a boundary in a landscape. These living structures serve various aesthetic and functional purposes. Understanding how to select, plant, and care for hedges is key to successfully incorporating them into outdoor spaces.
Selecting the Right Hedge Plants
Choosing appropriate plants for a hedge involves several factors to ensure successful establishment and long-term health. Different categories of hedge plants offer distinct characteristics, such as evergreens, which retain foliage year-round, or deciduous varieties, which lose their leaves in colder months but often provide seasonal interest with flowers or autumn color. Flowering hedges add visual appeal and attract pollinators, while native species support local ecosystems and wildlife.
When selecting plants, consider:
Mature size and growth rate to match the desired height and width.
Climate suitability, determined by hardiness zones, for local weather tolerance.
Soil preferences, including drainage and pH levels.
Sun exposure requirements, whether full sun or partial shade.
The level of maintenance each plant type demands, such as pruning frequency.
Planting and Establishing Your Hedge
Proper site preparation is important for establishing a healthy hedge. Begin by clearing the planting area of weeds, grass, and debris, ensuring a weed-free strip of at least 30 cm on both sides of the proposed hedge line. Digging a trench is often recommended, typically twice the width of the root ball or bare roots and deep enough for the root system to sit comfortably. Loosening the soil at the bottom and sides of the trench with a garden fork promotes better root penetration and drainage.
Follow these steps for planting:
Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the excavated soil to enrich the planting medium and improve drainage.
Set plants at the same depth as they were in their original container or nursery bed. For bare-root plants, soak them in water for about an hour before planting.
Position plants with appropriate spacing (30 to 60 cm apart, depending on species and desired density).
Backfill the trench, gently firming the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Immediately after planting, thoroughly water the hedge to settle the soil and provide initial moisture.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Maintaining a Healthy Hedge
Ongoing care is important for maintaining a hedge’s health and appearance. Pruning is a regular activity, with timing dependent on the hedge type and desired outcome. Formative pruning, performed during the first few years after planting, encourages bushy growth and establishes the hedge’s shape. For deciduous hedges, formative pruning often occurs in winter, while evergreens may be pruned in spring or summer. Maintenance trimming, typically done once or twice a year for established hedges, helps retain their size and form.
Pruning Techniques
When pruning, aim to keep the base of the hedge slightly wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches and prevents bare patches. Use sharp, clean tools, such as hand pruners, loppers, or hedge trimmers, to ensure clean cuts that promote quicker healing.
Watering
Watering requirements vary based on the hedge’s age, plant type, soil, and weather. Newly planted hedges need regular deep watering, often once or twice a week, to establish strong root systems. Established hedges require less frequent watering, perhaps every 10 to 14 days during dry periods, but always deep enough to reach the root zone.
Fertilization and Pest Control
Fertilization needs depend on soil quality and plant vigor. Incorporating organic matter during planting provides initial nutrients, and supplemental feeding can be applied as needed. Monitoring for common pests and diseases allows for early intervention, helping to preserve the hedge’s health.
Advantages of Hedges
Hedges offer numerous benefits beyond simply marking boundaries. They enhance a property’s aesthetic appeal, providing natural beauty, color, and texture to the landscape. Hedges serve as effective living fences, providing privacy and security by shielding views and discouraging unwanted access. Their dense structure also acts as a natural barrier against wind, creating sheltered microclimates that can benefit other plants and outdoor living areas.
Beyond their visual and functional roles, hedges also:
Contribute to noise reduction by absorbing sound waves.
Provide valuable habitats and food sources for wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
Help with soil health by stabilizing land, preventing erosion, and enriching the soil.
Filter airborne pollutants and capture rainfall, contributing to cleaner air and reducing localized flooding risks.