Undecided

[Banana Bar]

Not me you'd need to argue with!

I don't honestly know, I think there's something about you can plough within 2m of center of hedge in the first 5 years so you may be right but I'd want it in writing first.

I might use compost from now on!

 

[Ukjay]

Good evening everyone,

Whilst finalising our new hedge planting plans, we have been offered a mixed plant bare root native hedging option which is 50% Hawthorn or Blackthorn with 10% each of Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Dog Rose, Hazel and either Hawthorn or Blackthorn (dependant upon which variety is the major species).

Now has anyone else planted a variety hedge like this, as we like the idea to help with wildlife etc, but not so sure on the Maple and Hazel?

What are your thoughts on this mix for a hedge?

Kind regards

Jay

 

[woodworm]

Whatever mix you go for, lay a strip of black polythene (biodegradeable if you can get it) along the hedge line, then plant the whips through it with a loader tine and then once complete, cover it with woodchip mulch. We all have arb guys working in the area and they are usually looking for somewhere to dispose of the chip. This gives great results because it keeps the ground damp underneath the whole time helping the plants to continue to grow even in summer months. I have seen some incredible results using this method for planting trees (chestnut) with a survival rate exceeding 98% and increased growth rates in excess of 50% faster. It also keeps the weeds down while the plants become established.

 

[suffolksmallholder]

I'm not a fan of blackthorn, it creeps into the fields & is a horror to remove! The thorns also puncture tractor tyres sooo easily
SS

 

[Ukjay]

Whatever mix you go for, lay a strip of black polythene (biodegradeable if you can get it) along the hedge line, then plant the whips through it with a loader tine and then once complete, cover it with woodchip mulch. We all have arb guys working in the area and they are usually looking for somewhere to dispose of the chip. This gives great results because it keeps the ground damp underneath the whole time helping the plants to continue to grow even in summer months. I have seen some incredible results using this method for planting trees (chestnut) with a survival rate exceeding 98% and increased growth rates in excess of 50% faster. It also keeps the weeds down while the plants become established.

Have located the bio mulch matting, but one question, is the short lifespan long enough (4 to 5) months to establish the plants?

 

[Ukjay]

I'm not a fan of blackthorn, it creeps into the fields & is a horror to remove! The thorns also puncture tractor tyres sooo easily
SS

They are quite extreme aren't they. Most of our hedges are Blackthorn and the thorns are quite fearsome on some of the mature hedges.

 

[Shadow]

Good evening everyone,

Whilst finalising our new hedge planting plans, we have been offered a mixed plant bare root native hedging option which is 50% Hawthorn or Blackthorn with 10% each of Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Dog Rose, Hazel and either Hawthorn or Blackthorn (dependant upon which variety is the major species).

Now has anyone else planted a variety hedge like this, as we like the idea to help with wildlife etc, but not so sure on the Maple and Hazel?

What are your thoughts on this mix for a hedge?

Kind regards

Jay

We have just planted some of this same mix. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[joe soapy]

They are quite extreme aren't they. Most of our hedges are Blackthorn and the thorns are quite fearsome on some of the mature hedges.

Should only be used for road hedges

 

[neilo]

Good evening everyone,

Whilst finalising our new hedge planting plans, we have been offered a mixed plant bare root native hedging option which is 50% Hawthorn or Blackthorn with 10% each of Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Dog Rose, Hazel and either Hawthorn or Blackthorn (dependant upon which variety is the major species).

Now has anyone else planted a variety hedge like this, as we like the idea to help with wildlife etc, but not so sure on the Maple and Hazel?

What are your thoughts on this mix for a hedge?

Kind regards

Jay

Over the last 2 years, I have had a few packs rom the Woodland Trust, which seem to be very similar to that. I am already regretting putting the dog rose in, as they are already catching whenever you go near the hedge to do anything. I very much doubt those plants won't have a terrible accident and need replacing with something more sensible before long.
I wouldn't have any great issues with the rest, for a diverse hedgerow.

 

[Wombat]

Lot of our hedges have a lot of black thorn in them and I hate the stuff. Isn't it related to the plum rather than thorn that's why it suckers and creeps out into the field. Got a slight thorn in my hand a few weeks ago while tidying up some hand saw work and half my hand swelled up to about twice its size in 5mins. I wouldn't plant it if putting in new hedge.

 

[glasshouse]

Cant believe the time you guys devote to planting a hedge.
I spent many a day ripping them out, good riddance.

 

[Ukjay]

Should only be used for road hedges

May I ask why you say that, as some of our hedges have no roads near them and there is blackthorn throughout as we pick the sloes for sloe Gin?

 

[Ukjay]

Over the last 2 years, I have had a few packs rom the Woodland Trust, which seem to be very similar to that. I am already regretting putting the dog rose in, as they are already catching whenever you go near the hedge to do anything. I very much doubt those plants won't have a terrible accident and need replacing with something more sensible before long.
I wouldn't have any great issues with the rest, for a diverse hedgerow.

Thanks Neilo

When you say catching, are you referring to the thorns being a pita?

 

[neilo]

Thanks Neilo

When you say catching, are you referring to the thorns being a pita?

Yes. Dog Roses send out long briars with particularly sharp thorns IME. Always catching on electric fence wire, me and (woolly) sheep. Horrible things.

 

[onthehoof]

Good evening everyone,

Whilst finalising our new hedge planting plans, we have been offered a mixed plant bare root native hedging option which is 50% Hawthorn or Blackthorn with 10% each of Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Dog Rose, Hazel and either Hawthorn or Blackthorn (dependant upon which variety is the major species).

Now has anyone else planted a variety hedge like this, as we like the idea to help with wildlife etc, but not so sure on the Maple and Hazel?

What are your thoughts on this mix for a hedge?

Kind regards

Jay

You should be getting them in pronto. They'll soon be out in full leaf!