Content
- Which conifer is suitable for a hedge?
- The best species for a hedge planting
- Occidental Tree of Life (Thuja occidentalis)
- European yew (Taxus baccata)
- Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
- Tips
Thuja is a classic hedge plant
Which conifer is suitable for a hedge?
A hedge of coniferous trees fulfills several purposes in the garden: it serves as a boundary of the property, as protection against prying eyes, against noise and wind, but also for structuring the garden space. The latter can be an interesting and simple form of garden design, especially in larger gardens.
The best species for a hedge planting
Not every conifer is suitable for a hedge planting. Give preference to those species that are fast-growing, robust and cut-resistant. Sometimes, for example, spruces are recommended for a hedge, which must be strongly advised against. These conifers tolerate a regular, strong pruning only badly and often do not drive out again. On the other hand, the following species have proved themselves.
Occidental Tree of Life (Thuja occidentalis)
In the case of Thuja, the diversity of varieties is remarkable: High-growth varieties are wonderful for high hedges and for visibility and wind protection use, dwarf shapes for lower hedges (eg for embedding a Staudenbeetes or a grave). For hedges are very popular to use about the varieties, Brabant 'or emerald'. Thuja is very cut tolerant and can handle even strong cuts very well. Plant the hedge in a sunny to partially shaded spot with fresh to moist, humus soil. This can be mildly acidic to alkaline.
European yew (Taxus baccata)
The European yew has been cultivated in our gardens since ancient times and is considered to be very durable, adaptable and robust. As a solitaire it is often multi-stemmed from its base and can grow up to 15 meters high. As a hedge, the yew is considered good cut tolerable and is a popular form of woodland. In contrast to many other conifers, the yew also thrives in the shade, but is equally unpretentious in terms of soil. This may be slightly acidic to alkaline, sandy to loamy-humus, but may not have a tendency to waterlogging.
Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
This interesting tree has fan-shaped or feather-shaped branches with shingled leaves that cover like a roof tile. They are dark to gray green, in some varieties also steel blue or yellow. The very cut-compatible species should be planted in a sunny to partially shaded location, but tolerates neither heat nor drought. The soil can be slightly acidic to alkaline, sandy or loamy.
Tips
Also suitable for hedge planting are the Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii), some Juniper species and varieties (Juniperus) and some pine species (Pinus).