Plants as Hedges

Hedges can define different areas of the yard. They help show property lines, separate driveways and walkways from other areas and define entertainment and play areas.

Originally, hedges were incorporated in formal gardens for purely decorative and design reasons. Today, they are sometimes used for those same purposes but are usually used to define space and direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a property; especially where width of plants is critical.

To create a hedge, plants are spaced close enough together so they will grow together in three to four years, yet far enough apart so they don't crush each other when they reach their full, mature size.

When formally clipping a hedge, make the base broader than the top. This allows light to reach the lower branches. If left to grow naturally, the lower branches will not receive light and eventually die. This doesn't hurt the plant, but it looks bad. Besides, the plants stop serving their intended function when the lower branches die out and can no longer act as a screen.

You should prune hedges several times throughout the year as needed to retain their shape, but each year allow the plants to increase slightly in size.

For very short hedges along walkways, I recommend planting candytuft, a flowering evergreen perennial which grows 10 to 12 inches in height. It should be planted 10 to 12 inches apart to achieve a hedge-like appearance.

I like what I call "thigh high" plants for decorative purposes. These grow to about two feet tall. Several deciduous shrubs fit this category. I particularly like the dwarf red barberry with its wine colored leaves and boxwood as an evergreen. To achieve a hedge with these plants, space them 14 to 24 inches apart.

For hedges of shoulder height, consider leafy shrubs like the Alpine currant and evergreens like the mid-sized, upright Japanese yew. Space these plants two to two and a half feet apart to create a hedge.

Several plants, which when grouped as a hedge, can screen up to heights taller than the average person. Consider privet varieties which are leafy and should be planted about two feet apart. Evergreens which fit this category include some of the taller growing varieties of juniper, yew and arborvitae. These should be planted approximately three feet apart.

Some small, low branched trees can also act as hedges in larger areas where the width of the plant is not a problem. Some varieties of flowering crab apples and smaller maples work very well in this capacity. To create a hedge with small trees, plant them about six feet apart.

Hedges can add definition and focus to a landscape. Consider proper spacing requirements for different size plants and create hedges for almost any purpose.