how to make hedges grow thicker

Trimming a hedge in a wedge shape that is wider at the bottom will make it grow thicker by enabling more even regrowth. Cut back the hedge at the top to steer growth to the sides of your bushes and use organic fertiliser to encourage the plant's development.

How do you thicken a hedge at the bottom?

The way to keep it thick at the bottom is to prune and shear it properly. If the bottom is shaded it will become sparse and the main cause of shaded bottom is cutting it wider at the top and thinner at the bottom. Start pruning your hedge in a wedge shape, wider at the bottom end and it will thicken up.

What is the best fertilizer for hedges?

We recommend a 6-7 month slow release fertilizer for most climates. Apex makes a 16-5-9 slow release 6-7 month release, which works great for our hedge varieties. In the Pacific Northwest, you can use a longer-release fertilizer of 8-9 months. For longer release, Osmocote Blend 18-5-12 is a great choice.

When should you not cut hedges?

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

How can I make my privet hedge grow faster?

The privet hedge is one of the faster-growing hedge available, so it's important you prune and trim regularly to keep it looking fresh and attractive. Trimming at the right time, trimming the top and pruning the buds at the right time will help it become denser quickly.

What is the quickest hedge to grow?

Leylandii - Green

Leylandii is a fast-growing hedge plant that has the quickest growth rate of approximately 75-90cm per year. Leylandii, also known as Cupressocyparis, is a stunning hedge plant that will add elegance to your garden.

What do you put under hedges?

Compost (garden or spent mushroom), leaf mould, well-rotted manure, wood or bark chippings or even seaweed all make excellent mulches for use not only under hedges but across the garden.

How do you revive a dying hedge?

In general, most hedges can occasionally be cut back very hard, fed and watered, and will come back with fresh new growth. When this is required ensure you cut the hedge back to at least 20cm below your final desired hedge height, and at the same time remove any dead wood from within the hedge.

What fertilizer encourages root growth?

Phosphorus potassium &Nitrogen are the essential nutrients to support root growth for plants. They encourage plants to put down a dense collection of new roots and strengthen existing roots as they develop. Phosphorus helps establish healthy root systems at the beginning of growth.

What is the best fertilizer for laurels?

When you are planting a new Laurel hedge we always recommend using bone meal, this is a natural organic fertiliser that should be well mixed with the soil. One kilo of bone meal will be sufficient for a 15 metres of hedge planting.

Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?

If you own the tree or hedge

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don't like the way it looks, it's up to you whether you do the work.

What can I do if my Neighbour cuts my hedge?

If a neighbour's tree or hedge is growing over into your garden, you cannot make them cut it back. However, you do have the right to remove overgrowing branches yourself, but only back to the common boundary. Any cuttings must be offered back to the tree or hedge owner.

Is it OK to trim hedges in the summer?

This comes after it was revealed how summer pruning can help stop your plants become too unruly. Pruning your hedges in summer means they'll hold crisp and trim, not just for the rest of the growing season, but throughout winter. Monty added: “You won't have to cut them until next year.”

Do hedges have deep roots?

The shrubs in the hedgerow usually have established root systems that grow about twice as wide as they do deep. Regardless of the approach, manually removing a large root system is an arduous task, but dealing with one plant at a time makes it less formidable.

What is the best time to plant privet hedges?

When to plant a hedge

Evergreen and semi-evergreen hedges: Early autumn is ideal for hedging plants such as box, privet (semi-evergreen) and yew. However, they can be planted at any time from late autumn until late winter.
Deciduous hedges: Plant beech, hawthorn and hornbeam any time from leaf fall.

How far apart should I plant privet hedge?

Plant each plant about 30cm apart and make sure you plant them at the same depth they were on the pot or look for a soil mark on bare root specimens. Firm plants in and water well.

What is the cheapest hedge plant?

Leylandii (Green)

Because it is fast growing, it is generally the cheapest way of forming an evergreen garden hedge and hence the most popular.

What months do laurels grow?

Bare-root laurel hedging plants can only be planted from November to March (i.e while the plants are dormant over the winter). Root-balled laurel are dug from the field with a ball of soil around the roots.

Can you buy fully grown hedges?

Our Instant Hedges are pre grown and sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants. Our mature hedges are available to plant all year round and are supplied between 0.8m and 1.8/2m high. We have now developed our own mature range of Instant Hedge grown in hedge bags by us in Iver, Bucks.

What do you plant in front of a privet hedge?

Plants that should do well are those that can cope with semi shade and dry conditions, so anything naturally from woodland. Shrubs with leathery leaves, Fatsia, Mahonia, holly etc., also Sambucus seems to do well and then stuff like hellebores, epimediums etc.

How do you mulch hedges?

Spread mulch on the ground under hedges with a pitchfork, hay fork, garden shovel or gloved hands. The layer of mulch should be about 4 inches deep. Pull the mulch about 1 to 2 inches away from the base of each plant to lessen the chance of bark decay.

What can you plant with a thalictrum?

Thalictrum look good with a great variety of plants, including grasses. Thalictrum is a really versatile plant, looking good with a wide range of plants from Clematis to contemporary grasses such as Misacanthus sinensis 'Kleine Silberspinne' or Molinia Caerulea.