Established beech hedge

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by Jga, May 21, 2021.

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  1. Jga

    Jga Apprentice Gardener

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    Established 2m tall beech hedge. If a trench is dug along it, and then filled up again with soil, is the hedge likely to survive?
     
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      Jga, May 21, 2021
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Depends on how deep the trench is, how far away from the base of the hedge and if you are careful to leave big roots intact rather than cutting through any you come across.
       
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        pete, May 21, 2021
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      • Jga

        Jga Apprentice Gardener

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        Thanks. Cutting through big roots (or not) seems to be important.
         
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        I've dug down very close for about 3 or 4 ft next to a beech hedge. Provided it's only on one side they recover but will be unstable and might need supporting in gales if you are on an exposed site.
         
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        • Jga

          Jga Apprentice Gardener

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          Thanks. 3 to 4 ft long or deep?
           
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          Well if you chop them off you make the hedge unstable and also stand more chance of the hedge suffering should we get drought conditions,:biggrin:, the roots are there for a reason.
           
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          Deep. It is about 10 yards long and is a very old well established hedge in my front garden about the same height as yours, 8 foot. The excavation was about 2 ft away from the beech trunks. It was excavated with a JCB and we found the roots went down much deeper. This is on chalk.

          What's the reason for your trench ?
           
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          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

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            Good point :)
             
            Kristen, May 22, 2021
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