Hedge Ambition - A Neatly Trimmed Bush
Discussion
I have reached the age where tending a hedge has begun to appeal to me...
Recommendations please for something fast-growing and evergreen -- that isn't Leylandii -- that would work well in a row of approximately thirty feet that sits in direct south, facing sunlight.
Ideally something that is tough enough to cope with the conditions above and survive in not the greatest quality soil.
I'd like something that will look nice as closely spaced shrubs (a few feet high) when planted, but would become a hedge over time.
Help please - I'm already shopping for massively overpowered hedge clippers.
Recommendations please for something fast-growing and evergreen -- that isn't Leylandii -- that would work well in a row of approximately thirty feet that sits in direct south, facing sunlight.
Ideally something that is tough enough to cope with the conditions above and survive in not the greatest quality soil.
I'd like something that will look nice as closely spaced shrubs (a few feet high) when planted, but would become a hedge over time.
Help please - I'm already shopping for massively overpowered hedge clippers.
I'm doing exactly the same thing at the moment, for a south-facing hedge of about 20 metres. I considered Hornbeam but am now favouring Beech; a mixture of green and copper, with an odd number of forsythia thrown-in to mix it up a bit.
Edited by Grande Pedro on Tuesday 8th April 16:11
If you want fast growing then consider Cherry Laurel. However, these are quite large-leafed, and so not as good for a tightly clipped look if that is what you're after. Yew is best for a tight clip, but isn't particularly fast growing until really established. Some varieties of Holly could also work - also usefully spiky if wanted to use it as a deterrent for people trying to climb through/over the boundary.
Laurel is fast growing but a bugger to maintain (I cut mine by hand as a hedge trimmer tears the leaves and makes it look horrible)
Hawthorn is nice and great wildlife habitat, but it will tear strips off you and the clippings are hard to process.
Photinia is a solid choice, lovely colours year round and easy to maintain.
Beech is lovely and provides some winter cover - not that fast growing though.
Yew likewise, but not fast growing.
Hawthorn is nice and great wildlife habitat, but it will tear strips off you and the clippings are hard to process.
Photinia is a solid choice, lovely colours year round and easy to maintain.
Beech is lovely and provides some winter cover - not that fast growing though.
Yew likewise, but not fast growing.
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