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Installing an instant hedge allows you to benefit from the advantages of a mature or semi-mature hedge without waiting, perhaps many years, for smaller plants to grow in size.
What is an Instant Hedge?
An ‘instant hedge’ refers to a hedge that is installed already at a height of around 1.8 to 2 metres tall. Our pre-grown instant hedging has usually attained that height level before it is offered for sale. Instant hedging is normally offered in units to cover a length of 1 metre. Of course there are some ‘instant hedges’ such as Box (Buxus) that we would offer fully furnished at around 60cm tall. Box is a very useful plant which can be grown to create a parterre or a design for a kitchen garden.
Instant Hedge for privacy
Nearly all customers intend to install an instant hedge to create some degree of privacy. Although only evergreen hedges will provide all year round privacy, deciduous types such as hornbeam and beech will provide adequate screening during the winter as their spent leaves will stay attached to the stems, whilst letting some air through, this can still create a sufficient windbreak during winter.
Popular plants for creating an Instant Hedge
Our top selling instant hedging plants are Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea), Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Hornbeam (carpinus betulus). Choose Beech for sandy or light soils, and Hornbeam for heavy clay locations which are often found in the south east of England including Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and into London.
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is at the top of the list for evergreen instant hedging, and is one of the most reliable plants that looks in keeping in most environments, being very hardy and easy to maintain. Cherry laurel is also available from us as a single potted plant which we allow to bush out and cover one linear metre.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), a slower growing conifer, is an evergreen alternative. Thuja plicata is ideal when the vigorous growth rate of a Leylandii is not desirable, and is best suited to urban environment and must be regularly trimmed during the summer months. Ligustrim ovalifolium also offers a good alternative to the higher water demanding conifers and is very easy to maintain.
The right hedge for the right situation
Different species will be used for different settings and soil types to name just two of many variables that need to be considered. Some hedges will require protection from very cold winds and will only thrive in an urban setting. This is where a knowledgeable supplier will come into their own, dispensing expert advice on what to expect for your specific situation.
Expert advice for Instant Hedges
We encourage you to get in contact with our expert staff who will be very happy to talk you through the most appropriate options. An instant hedge can be a significant investment, so it’s worth making sure you receive some professional advice.
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