A living fence is a barrier made out of living plant material and looks softer and more natural than a chain link or stockade fence. An old-fashioned living fence is called a hedgerow. Hedgerows were used by farmers to separate properties starting in the Middle Ages. Trees, shrubs and other plants were planted in strips of land that provided extra benefits of preventing erosion, forming windbreaks and providing homes for wildlife. A hedgerow can take two to three years to become full grown, but it makes a wonderful boundary for a yard. Plant hedgerows in spring or fall on a strip or wedge of land.
Materials Needed
- compost
- garden tiller
- shovel
- water
- wood chips or straw
- various trees
- various shrubs
- perennials
- annuals
Instructions
- Choose the perfect area for a hedgerow. They are traditionally 20 feet wide and as long as necessary. This kept predators out and farm animals in. Today a more compact hedgerow can be built in about 10 feet, but a larger area provides more protection. Plant a hedgerow on a boundary or it is used to separate a large yard into sections. The area can already have existing trees and shrubs that will be incorporated into the hedgerow or it can be a flat created on a flat area with no existing plantings.
- Remove any unwanted plant material in the area. The only time organic matter can be added is before the hedgerow is planted. This is because the plants and trees grow so close together. Spread 4 to 8 inches of compost over the area and till it deeply into the soil.
- Plant trees at the back of the hedgerow. Small trees like dogwoods, weeping cherry and crabapple are great choices for a small hedgerow while full size deciduous trees and evergreens are great additions to a large one. Take into consideration the size of the mature tree when planting so the trees will have enough room to grow. If there is an existing tree or the trees do not come with specifics on how big they get at maturity, consult a local nursery or university extension service. Small trees can be placed 3 to 4 feet apart while larger trees and evergreens need room to expand at 5 to 12 feet apart. Include evergreens, fruit trees, flowering trees and deciduous tress.
- Planting trees is a large undertaking even when planting saplings. The hole must be at least two times the size of the root ball but as deep as the tree was planted in the container. Never plant it deeper. Therefore, if a tree has a root ball that is 18 inches high the hole should be about 18 inches deep. Most trees come with root balls covered with plastic or burlap. Plastic must be totally removed. Burlap can be loosened and cut open and left on. Place a little organic matter in the bottom of the hole and place the tree in. Fill the hole leaving a slight trench around the trunk of the tree. Water well after planting and mulch.
- Plant shrubs about 2 to 4 feet in front of the trees. Use shrubs that grow in partial shade because the trees will shade them. Incorporate both evergreens and deciduous shrubs including those that provide food and shelter to wildlife. To make an impenetrable fence use thorny plants like old fashioned Rugosa roses that provide color in the summer and rose hips as food in the winter. Plant shrubs in the same way trees are planted.
- Plant perennial and annual flowers, herbs and ornamental grasses along the front layer of the hedgerow. They must be shade tolerant because the trees will prevent the sun from shining on them all day. Keep lower growing plants at the very front of the hedgerow so their beauty can be seen. Impatiens, begonias, cosmos, snapdragons, salvia, petunias, and blue fescue are all good choices. Plant perennials far enough apart to accommodate their mature size in a hole twice as wide and about as deep as it was in the container. Back fill with soil and cover with mulch. Water well after planting.
Tips
Use a variety of plants to attract wildlife to the area. Shrubs and trees that create berries in the fall and winter are a good choice for food while evergreens provide protection to wildlife.
Pruning is necessary to keep the green fence from becoming unsightly. Trim trees every three years and shrubs annually once they grow more than a foot from the original height. Always prune in spring.
Deborah Harding - Deborah Harding has developed recipes, worked with herbs and written home school curriculum for over 20 years.
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