Choosing the Right Hedge for Your Property

Hedges are an important part of landscaping. These thick shrubs are pruned and trained until they create a thick barrier of greenery that can provide plenty of privacy. They look much nicer than fences in most cases and are a lovely addition to any garden.

While a hedge may be used as a border to a property, it may also be part of the landscaping detail. This includes setting off certain areas of the property, lining a path, or edging a less appealing area of the garden.

How to Choose a Hedge

Choosing the right hedge is a complicated process and something you will want to put a lot of thought into. However, if you do need help, then a landscaping company can assist in making the final decision. Here are a few of the main things you should consider before deciding on which hedge you’d like to plant.

Determine the hedge’s purpose

The first thing to do is determine the purpose of the hedge. Is it to provide a privacy barrier between neighbours? Is it more decorative than functional? How high should it be when fully grown? The answers to these questions will help you determine which plant is best for your hedge, but there are even more factors to consider.

Consider your maintenance schedule

How much maintenance will it require? Some plants are higher maintenance and a hedge must be frequently trimmed. Faster growing hedges will tend to need trimming several times a year and this is a big commitment. You’ll want to trim small amounts on a regular basis to ensure the hedge is properly trained and shaped.

How fast will the hedge grow? Fast-growing hedges are great for rapidly providing a windbreak or creating privacy, but they also need more care and maintenance over time. Don’t forget, they’ll keep growing this fast and that means frequent pruning.

Think about the property itself

Will it complement the house? The leaves of the hedge are usually the most prominent colour that you’ll see when viewing your home from beyond the hedge. This means it needs to work with the house's colour and design. Consider everything from the colour of the foliage to the colours of the flowers that may appear during the summer.

Discover more about your local environment

How well will the hedge grow in your area? If you live near the sea, certain plants are more likely to work well. However, the type of hedge you select will greatly depend on things like how much wind you have, how much rain there is in your area, and even the soil type and sun exposure.

Found a hedge that’s perfect for your property? Ace Tree Surgeons can provide a range of hedge upkeep services so that your new hedge never looks worse for wear, no matter how high maintenance it may be. Contact us today to find out more.