Hedging
Benefits of Hedges
Britain has a proud history of planting and maintaining hedges. Originally used to proving a barrier of ownership between fields, hedges have also been used extensively as windbreaks and as an ornamental element in formal gardens. This planting allowed an increase in wildlife which was dependent on these habitats for their survival. However, the increase in modern fencing led to the rapid decline of these native species and it is only recently that this decline has been arrested. Hedging today provides essential shelter and food for so many of our native birds, that the preservation of native hedges is now considered to be essential to our nation's ecology.
Types of Hedge
Evergreen hedges are a fantastic way to provide a natural privacy screen, but they do have other uses. Deciduous trees are far better suited to use for windbreaks as they allow some wind penetration and gradually slow down the windspeed; if a hedge blocks the wind totally then this can cause wind eddys, or it can increase the relative speed of the wind such that it causes damage to the trees. Native trees are much better for wildlife: consider trees that produce attractive flowers and berries.
Advice on Hedging
Hedging requires careful consideration in choosing the correct species for a given situation. You will firstly want to consider your site and then whether you want a monoculture for uniformity, or a hedge of mixed species for more interest. Think about how the hedge will look with the changing seasons and remember that the height of the hedge simply depends upon how you clip it: some trees are known to produce large hedges only because they are fast growing and their owners fail to keep up with the maintenance. Our Hedging guide describes the relevant properties of each of our 22 hedging species. Alternatively, try our species finder, which suggests plants based on your conditions and requirements.
Further Advice
Below, we have tried to answer those questions which we are most frequently asked. Click on the appropriate question to see our advice. If you would like further help with your decision, please contact Jackie or Margaretin our sales team, who will be happy to talk through your options. | 
