Guide to the Establishment of New HedgesSite PreparationIt is recommended that competing vegetation is removed from the site of hedge prior to planting. This can be easily accomplished in most cases by an application of glyphosate in August/September. Perennial weeds such as coltsfoot, thistle etc. may require more than one application. The options for weed control after planting are much more limited. Choice of species Under the Rural Stewardship Scheme in Scotland, the maximum percentage allowed of any one species is 75%. Typically, hawthorn is planted at proportions close to the maximum as it generally establishes successfully on a wide variety of sites, including those with coastal exposure. Complementary species include blackthorn (not recommended where coastal exposure is a problem) hazel, hornbeam, beech, elder, dog rose, ramanas rose and guelder rose. On fertile free-draining sites beech makes a very pleasing hedge and will tolerate exposure. It is however recommended that beech is planted before end of February as plant establishment can be severely hindered by a dry spring. A word of warning on `beating up' old hawthorn hedges; hawthorn is a member of the Rosaceae family, and as such can suffer from `rose replant disease'. Fresh topsoil may be required to aid establishment. Alternatively, consider using hazel or beech instead. Planting stock Bare root stock can be used from onset of plant dormancy (usually November) until well into May if the plants have been cold stored. Please advise the nursery by late February if cold storage is to be required. Cell grown plants (CGPs) can be used between June and October. Ideally September is the best month but so long as sufficient moisture is available they really can be planted all year round. Plant Spacing RSS in Scotland stipulates 6 plants per linear metre of hedge. Plants are almost always inserted as a double row around 30-40cm apart, with plants spaced approximately 25cm apart within the rows. This density ensures quick establishment through early competition between plants resulting in faster suppression of weed growth. Planting
Maintenance after planting Most agricultural hedge sites are quite fertile enough and will require no fertiliser. However, if an organic mulch is applied this will help suppress weeds and boost plant growth. Weed and vermin control are the keys to success. A weed free site will also suffer less vole damage. If serious weed competition does threaten plant establishment, professional advice should be sought. Whilst a carefully targeted herbicide application (eg knapsack with hood) may help, the hedging plants are very vulnerable to drift (especially to glyphosate). Best to wait until plants are dormant, when stronger contact and residual herbicides can be used. A light early trimming is carried out in year 2 or 3 to encourage `bushing out'. Treeguards. Whilst in many cases individual plant protection (from rabbits etc.) is not required as the RSS Scheme in Scotland usually provides for a fence, there are products available for this purpose.
Use of the above should be discussed with the nursery when ordering plants so as to ensure plant specification matches Tubex product. |
Christie Elite Nurseries Ltd. Forres, Moray, IV36 3TW, Scotland
A Member of the Marigot Group
The Natural Network
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