Hedge-related query

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by TheMadHedger, Feb 14, 2020.

  1. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

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    I need to 'patch up' some large gaps in a very thin, old and exposed bit of hedging. It borders a field (which a footpath runs through) and I've just had to have some trees removed due to the recent high winds. Since the removal of the trees the gaping holes in the very old hedge are now causing a privacy issue.

    I don't want to touch the old hawthorn hedge (which probably belongs to the farmer who owns the field), instead I want to put something on the inside (my property's side) of the old hedge. I had initially thought of buying some beech trees (due to them retaining their leaves in winter) but I want instant cover without spending a fortune. I've thought of trellis or fence panels but I live in an exposed area that gets an awful lot of wind and don't of course want anything that will quickly be blown down.

    I'm now pondering putting some fencing stakes in the ground and looking around for something similar to camouflage netting and running this between the posts. I'd also put in some trailing plants/creepers which can, over time, replace the camouflage netting.

    Does that sound viable or does anyone have any other suggestions please?

    Basically I want something 'instant' (for privacy reasons) which doesn't look ugly and out of place but it must be also be 'flexible' to let the air through due to regular strong winds. I also don't want to spend a small fortune.

    The affected length of hedging is about 20 to 25 feet long.

    Edit: I see that you can also buy artificial leave, hedges rolls, etc. Like this:

    Artificial Hedge Roll Screening Green Leaf Privacy Screen Garden Fence 1*3m NEW | eBay
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2020
  2. Perki

    Perki Total Gardener

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    Are the gaps dotted or is it the full length 20-25 feet ? I ask because you could plant some fast growing shrubs where the odd gap is ?

    It always time with hedge unless you've got loads of money and buy one like they do for chelsea flower show . If you want instant and permanent it a fence / trellis.

    You could get some whips if you want an hedge and use the netting screen temporary until its grown but this could take a while.

    If you want climbers I would recommend clematis Armandii evergreen and fast growing, but you need a good strong support people forget how heavy climbers are when they get big.
    what about growing some espaliers apple trees .

    Could ask the farmer if you can plant some shrubs / hawthorn in his hedge ?

    A picture might give us a better idea ?
     
  3. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

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    The gaps are dotted along the 20-25 foot length.

    What shrubs are particularly fast growing?

    Also, what are 'whips'?

    Thanks very much for the advice. I'll try and take a photo.
     
  4. Jiffy

    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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    If you have hawthorns by the gaps you could lay some at 45 degrees to fill the gaps, some times I have taken cutting of hawthorns by just cutting some off the hedge and stick them in the ground where the gaps are, some will take
     
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    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      @TheMadHedger Whips are young unbranched rooted cuttings. They are relatively cheap, easy to plant and settle in and grow away rapidly. As Jiffy says hawthorn roots well, it will grow pretty quickly as well when young.
       
    • andrews

      andrews Super Gardener

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      We struggled planting whips in an existing hawthorn hedge as the whips were competing for water with the established hedge.

      I'm currently replacing our hawthorn with laurel which gives year round privacy. established laurel has been able to live with the existing hedge
       
    • TheMadHedger

      TheMadHedger Gardener

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      That's food for thought, thank you.
       
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      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

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        I've learned something today, thanks very much. :)
         
      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

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        Does Laurel keep its leaves in winter like Beech?
         
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        Laurel is evergreen and tough as old boots. :blue thumb:
         
      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

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        Thanks. Which variety of Laurel would be the best (fastest growing, good density, etc?).
         
      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

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      • andrews

        andrews Super Gardener

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        • TheMadHedger

          TheMadHedger Gardener

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