Hedging
The western hedge
One of the main winter jobs is hedging, ideally done between September and the end of February to come after the main growth and not to disturb birds’ nesting (it’s thought they start reconnoitring nest sites from March). Here at St Baldreds there are around 800 metres of hedging, half old hedges (mainly hawthorn and holly) and half newly planted native hedging (hazel, field maple, beech, privet, spindle, alder, etc.).
Danny with his extendable trimmer
Winter work is primarily trimming to encourage dense growth and maintain the optimum A shape in section, which avoids lower branches being overshadowed. Our main tool is a mechanical hedge trimmer, and we’re weaning ourselves off fossil fuels with a new extendable battery-operated trimmer. But for large branches loppers and saws are necessary, particularly for the abandoned ‘Christmas hedge’ (primarily holly and ivy). Here neglected hedge plants have grown into trees, creating gaps in between. New plants to fill these are very disadvantaged, having to cope with the established root system and shade of their neighbours, so make sure to choose vigorous species like hawthorn or holly.
Not a hedge, but very pretty.
So why go to all this trouble? For us the prime purpose of hedges is to break the wind, critical to create an optimum micro-climate for veg and fruit.
Additionally, the combination of scrubby trees and open ground come close to the wood pasture of pre-human Britain in which much of our wildlife evolved so they are extremely valuable for biodiversity. And, helpfully for market gardeners, the decaying leaves and hedge trimmings that accumulate below a hedge provide wonderful conditions for the predatory beetles that are so valuable for natural pest control.
Hedges are also good for absorbing excess rainfall and, for many, aesthetically beautiful, especially in autumn.
Finally, the pruning process produces ‘ramial’ trimmings that, when chipped or broken up, make great mulch and encourage mycorrhizal fungi boosting fruit and vegetable growth. As always in sustainable horticulture, apparent waste is, in fact, a valuable by-product for other purposes.
Our top hedging suggestions:
Prune September to February
Prune into an “A” shape in section
Trimming every second year (e.g.alternate sides of a hedge each year) allows more berries (usually formed on second year growth): v good for birds
Keep trimmings and shred to use as mulch
If filling gaps in established hedge, use vigorous species (blackthorn, hawthorn, holly), clear as many roots as possible, and ensure plenty of water by mulching and watering in growing season.
