Super Eco

Photo credit: Rhian vK

The hedge-row elms, whose wind-worn branches shower
Their leaves on the sere grass, where some late flower
In golden chalice hoards the sunlight still...  Mathilde Blind

A planted Hedgerow should be a combination of small trees, thorny, fruit bearing shrubs and grasses as well as wildflowers and creeping non-invasive ground covers and vines.

It can be used as a windbreak, a natural border fence, a habitat for wildlife protection and nesting as well as an obstacle to reduce water runoff velocity at the edge of a field. Planting a hedgerow is also an effective way to buffer pollution and increase carbon mitigation. A well established hedgerow can serve as a natural water purifier near aquatic habitats.

Here are some tips:

1. Begin by evaluating your property and define your hedgerow needs. Measure the length of the desired area and make a sketch taking into consideration the eventual height that your hedgerow will achieve when fully grown. Make sure that the area you have chosen has good drainage and is well cleared of inappropriate obstacles and weeds.
2. Determine what are you trying to achieve by planting your hedgerow. For instance if unwanted animal traffic is an issue, thorn bearing plantings such as Hawthorn, Rosa Rugosa, Gorse, Berberis, Holly and Wild Blackberry bushes may be appropriate. Thorn bearing plants can also serve as a haven for small wildlife, protecting them from predation. It is important to acquaint yourself with the eventual size of your plantings and space them at suitable intervals.
3. Be sure to research plant properties and zone requirements before planting. Make sure that you are not planting invasive or banned species.
4. Choose plants, wildflowers, and grasses appropriate to your area to fill in the gaps between trees and shrubs.
5. Your newly planted hedgerow will need to be watered and weeded until it has had a chance to establish itself. Please do not use herbicides or pesticides.

Planting a hedgerow can be a wonderful way to teach your children about conservation and wildlife, here is a great children's book you might want to check out!

Have fun planning and planting and I'll see you over the hedgerow!