Choosing Landscape Hedges

The liberal use of landscaping hedges marks the perimeter of your property, provides privacy, and in some cases discourages trespassing. Softer and less forbidding walls and fences, hedges are often more appealing to the eye. There are many homeowners who are less than thrilled at the prospect of building a fence, however, almost no one complains about planting and living with a well kept, well trimmed hedge.

Landscaping experts define a hedge as an arrangement of plans space closely enough to form a continuous living wall. The focus is on the overall effect rather than on individual plants. Encompassed within that simple definition, however, is a plethora of variety.

Many choose a formal pitch landed in geometric lines and clipped into a smooth regular form. Conversely, others choose an informal hedge this typically planted in turbulent times following the natural features and contours of the property. Many times this type of hedge is composed of several different species of plants. Both plants are in turn left to grow in their natural shapes, and work well as a border or a wall.

Surely you have seen no more formal hedges that appears solid and have a architectural look. It is an elegant way to set off a yard from the street and separated from the surrounding properties. Additionally, these types of hedges can be used to create smaller garden compartments or rooms within a property. A carefully shaped, fine textured page of Boxwood looks more like a work of art that reflects the care and time a homeowner or gardener has put into cultivating.

There are some design strategies when installing hedges that you should be aware of. While hedges make excellent property line markers they can play other roles as well. In a larger yard you can use a meandering hedge to break up the space or to create a private hideaway or seating area.

You should always consider height when choosing a landscape hedge. A hedge can be barely meet high or extend above the years of a two-story house. Though providing a very tall screen can be impressive and create total privacy, it may overwhelm a smaller property. Remember that a clip formal hedge more than five or 6 feet tall will be harder to maintain because you will have to climb a ladder to prune.

Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the same type of edge throughout their property. Use a variety of plants. Try alternating Golden Green needled plants. Consider if you’re hedge has blooms and what time of the year they show their color.

There are many options beyond basic hedge installation in your landscape. Consider the growth rate of a particular plant that you choose. What looks good the first two years after planting may turn out to be an eyesore once your chosen plants reach maturity.