Hedgerows carry out the same functions as a fence, while also providing a better environment for the wildlife living in your area. A wildlife hedge makes an excellent replacement for the traditional fence that is found enclosing backyards across the country.
There are many reasons why you might put up a fence at your home. Perhaps you’re trying to block out street noise or an unpleasant view. Maybe your goal is to create some privacy from nosy neighbors or to simply mark where your property ends and the neighbors’ begins.
Whatever the reason, fences are everywhere across America. Most often these fences or walls are made from treated wood or plastic, but have you ever considered a more natural alternative?
Why You Should Plant a Hedgerow
Traditional fences can divide wildlife habitats and impede the flow of animals that would normally be crossing in that location. Hedgerows, however, provide food, cover, and nesting places for birds, pollinators, and other creatures that may be living in your backyard [1,2].
A hedgerow, however, is nothing like the manicured hedges that must be meticulously clipped and maintained. Instead of one type of uniform shrub planted in perfectly straight lines, hedgerows include a variety of plants with a mixture of taller and shorter species that are filled with fruit for eating and nooks and crannies that create spaces for cover and nesting [1].
They are similar to the long, narrow plantings of vegetation that were promoted in the 1930s to reduce soil erosion in the plains states, however, they are scaled-down to suit a more urban setting [2].
If you have a garden in your backyard, a hedgerow can be of great benefit, and improve your flower beds and vegetable plot yields. This is because hedgerows support a significant diversity of birds and small mammals, who are predators of insects and pests that may be attacking your garden [3].
Additionally, a hedgerow can help you conserve energy by blocking the wind, which will reduce the amount of fuel you need to heat your home. This is because it provides a permeable barrier, which is more effective at blocking wind than a solid fence or wall. Air that hits a solid barrier passes over it and then drops down quickly, not losing much speed. A permeable barrier, however, allows some air to pass through, slowing it down significantly [3].
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Planning a Hedge Row
Before you begin planting, you need to take into consideration the space you have and the climate and soil in your area. Ideally, you will want to plan for a hedgerow that is at least three meters wide and is made up of two to three rows of vegetation, however, a single row will still provide benefit for smaller properties.
In order to choose which plants you will grow for your hedge, you should examine the light, soil, and moisture conditions in the area you will be planting and pick plants that will thrive in these conditions. It is also important to pay attention to things like overhead wires or other limitations and choose plants that fight within those parameters at maturity.
For maximum wildlife benefit, you want to have a mixture of both shrubs and trees, choose plants that provide a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds for animals to eat, and you may even want to consider adding thorny species that act as protection for birds. Including evergreens in your plan also provides protection and a wind barrier during the winter months [3].
Planting a Hedgerow
The best time to begin planting is in the early spring, but you can start preparing the site in the fall by tilling the length of the row (or rows), and adding compost to enrich the soil [3].
Start by planting shorter, flowering trees for shrubs first, which provide berries for birds to eat. You also want to include some fast-growing species, such as willows, to provide quick coverage. These species will die out sooner, so be sure to add in some slower-growing species that will be established by the time the faster growers begin to die [1,3].
It is also important to leave space between the trees so they have room to grow, and you can fill in the spaces with shrubs. The closer you plant your shrubs together, the sooner your hedgerow will fill out, however, keep in mind that if you do this, it will likely require some thinning-out later on. The goal is to make sure that the hedgerow has no gaps once it is established, which could take a few years [3].
When choosing your plants, it is best to opt for native varieties of shrubs, evergreens, briars, brambles, and vines, as they will do better in your climate and require less maintenance. Shrubs provide different kinds of food for wildlife, evergreens offer year-round shelter, and thorny brambles provide protection for smaller animals from predators like cats and raccoons. Vines help tie the whole thing together and provide extra fruit for the animals [1].
The other benefit of native plants is that they attract beneficial pollinators to your yard, which can help improve your entire garden [1].
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Maintaining your Hedgerow
Unlike the manicured hedges that are common in many suburban neighbourhoods, hedgerows require very little maintenance once they’re established. Until then, it is important that you water your newly-planted trees and shrubs regularly.
Once your hedgerow has been established, you can allow groundcover species, such as ferns or bunchberry, to grow in the shade, and native perennials to grow in the sunnier areas.
As your hedgerow matures, you may need to do some pruning to prevent the vines from taking over, and you may need to replace some shrubs and trees as they die out. Whenever possible, leave a standing dead tree where it is because they provide nesting sites. If there is concern that the tree might pose a safety risk, however, remove it and replant it.
Deadwood, leaves, and other plant litter should also be left alone to provide cover for small mammals and insects, and you should avoid pruning as much as possible. If you do need to prune, time it properly so you’re not interfering with flowering or fruiting, or when birds are trying to build nests in the spring and early summer [3].
A Functional, Natural Oasis
Hedgerows provide all the benefits of a traditional fence or wall, while also creating a beautiful natural oasis on your property that encourages the presence of wildlife. They require minimal care, are better for the environment, and can improve your garden.
So if you’re thinking about replacing your fence this year, consider instead replacing it with a natural “fence”, and enjoy the benefits for years to come.
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