Hedge Plants
All About Hedge Plants
Hedge plants are used to compose a type of wall, commonly for privacy or to outline property. They are generality trimmed to shapes and sizes and can include deciduous shrubs and many varieties of evergreen.
Almost any row of hedge plants can provide at least a little bit of security to your yard. After all, it is harder to jump a hedge then run through a yard without one. They are also ideal to create a windbreak or type of privacy barricade. These types of hedge plants are usually left to grow wild instead of being trimmed to precise size or shape. They are more functional than ornamental.
Deciduous Hedge Shrubs
These forms of hedge plants look fabulous when they are in bloom and add a great deal of beauty to your landscaping however, they are not anything special to look at in the winter. They are also not ideal to use a privacy tool because they are completely naked after dropping their leaves. The most popular of these hedge plants are forsythia bushes, lilac bushes and rose of Sharon. These shrubs do not require much pruning and look better a bit natural. Creating a hedge with these is simple; just plant several in a line. You don't need to get technical with precise placement since they are meant to be a bit unruly.
Boxwood Shrubs
These hedge plants are adored for their dense light green leaves and pleasant rounded growth habit. They reach about three feet tall and love to be pruned into whatever shape you choose. Boxwood shrubs are usually placed together to create a formal landscape edge. This is a shrub that is ideal to be used in holiday decorations such as wreaths and garland.
Holly Plants
Holly hedge plants are attractive as a border and make an ideal privacy screen. It is a broadleaved evergreen so there are no needles or leaves that fall and need cleaning up after. This is one of the few hedge plants that can be grown in all of the 50 states. Herbalists use holly leaves to treat certain ailments but the berries are dangerous and can cause excessive vomiting almost immediately after being swallowed.
Mountain Laurel Shrubs
The spring and summer flower display of these hedge plants makes them a favorite. These are a hedge that really requires a lot of pruning to promote an abundance of flowers to appear the following season. They are tough and can withstand and actually appreciate even the most severe pruning job.
Pruning Hedge Plants
It is important to never prune hedge plants to an exact vertical wall. The base should always be a bit wider than the top so that the sunlight can reach the bottom parts of the plant.
When pruning the top it is easiest if you get two poles and stick them in the ground at the same height. Tie a piece of string to each pole and use this as a guide to prune straight across. If you try to eyeball it, chances are very good that your hedge will not come out straight.
Small Trees For Hedge Plants
There are a lot of trees that are well suited to use for hedge plants as well. Keep in mind when planting that you will need to allow more room when planting these then you would traditional hedge plants. Trees do not generally appreciate pruning as much either so your hedge may end up looking a bit unpredictable which can be quite pleasant sometimes. They also take a bit longer to fill in so be patient with your trees. They are not as quick to add character to your landscaping as traditional shrubs but they will eventually get there.
Whichever hedge plants you choose for your landscaping, be sure that you take into consideration if you are using the hedge for privacy or decoration; this will help you determine what plants to use.