I'm planning to learn more about establishing a long-lasting hedge in the UK and would be interested in hearing from people with practical experience.
When choosing hedge plants, what factors do you think are most important before planting? For example:
Soil type and drainage
Sunlight and aspect
Desired hedge height and density
Growth rate
Maintenance and pruning requirements
Resistance to pests and diseases
Value for birds and other wildlife
How quickly the hedge establishes
I'm especially interested in how species such as laurel, privet, hawthorn, beech, hornbeam, holly and yew compare in real gardens. Are there particular varieties you'd recommend for difficult soils or exposed locations?
I'd also be interested to hear whether anyone has replaced an old
Leylandii hedge with a different species and how the change worked out over several years.
I've been comparing different species and growing requirements through Everything Plants while researching this, but I'd really value experiences from people who have actually planted and maintained these hedges.
What hedge would you choose if you were starting again today, and why?
