Need a Hedge? Part I
Ryan Falk, Author
Nursery Sales Manager, Falk Nurseries
Hedges. The green fence. The living wall of privacy and shelter. Many people choose to plant a hedge rather than having a fence built because it is much cheaper up front and it give a lush setting to the yard. However, a hedge does requires waiting for it to grow before it will give privacy, and there is some maintenance involved to keep proper shape and density. The simplest hedge of all is the shelter-belt. Trees and shrubs both can be used for surrounding large countryside yards to protect them from winds. Often there is little need for pruning and shaping with such hedges as height and thickness is the key to keep out the wind, had a wilder look is not an issue. Once a year pruning or less is often sufficient to keep these hedges thick enough. Spring or fall fertilizing will be beneficial to help promote fresh growth and gain height quickly.