In addition to wire fencing and wooden, brick, or concrete fences, planting a hedge is an interesting solution to protect your property from prying eyes. Several varieties of plants can make up a plant fence, including cedar. In addition to its ornamental aspect, the latter is easy to maintain and is renowned for its resistance to bad weather. In this article, we will introduce you to the key elements of a cedar hedge.
The advantages of a plant hedge
Compared to wire fencing, the plant fence has countless advantages. Its aesthetic aspect is one of the main reasons why homeowners appreciate it so much. It blends into the landscape as a natural hedge and decorates a green space beautifully. Want to accentuate the aesthetics of your home? There is nothing better than surrounding it with a plant fence. Moreover, you have the choice between a single variety or a composition of several plants.
At a time when citizens are being made aware of the need to protect the environment, planting a planted hedge is an integral part of the ecological approach to achieve this. Indeed, this type of fence is an excellent refuge for pollinating insects. We must not neglect the fact that it prevents erosion since it maintains the soil. It is then a natural barrier that prevents rainwater runoff.
The plant fence is also an excellent windbreak. It attenuates the impact of the air current and thus makes it possible to preserve your garden. You should also know that the vegetal hedge can protect an area 8 to 15 times its height.
Planting a cedar hedge: do it yourself.
Although using a contractor to create a green hedge is highly recommended, you can do it yourself. It is both quick and easy. To do so, you have to go through 5 steps:
- Obtain the number of cedar trees necessary according to the surface to be covered
- Prepare the location of the cedars by removing the surface lawn. If you are planting a wild-type cedar, dig a trench 4 to 6 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches wide. For cultivated cedars, the trench to be made will be larger, as it will be 6 to 8 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches wide. Make sure the base of the cedars emerges at least 2 inches from the soil. If the soil is clay, this will be 4 inches.
- Fill the trench with soil mixed with fertilizer and compact it well at the base of the cedars.
- Use stakes (to be placed every 20 feet) and rope to keep the cedars stable. This will give you a well-balanced hedge. When the planting is complete, you can remove the rope and stakes.
The best time to plant your cedar hedge is in early fall when the soil is still warm enough for the plants to grow.
Maintenance of a cedar hedge
This variety of conifer thrives on moist soil. In other words, heat and drought are not favorable to its growth. To avoid inconveniences, it is therefore recommended to water it regularly and thoroughly. The average frequency of watering is one to two days per week. Of course, during the rainy season, there is no need to water your hedge at the risk of rotting the base of the cedars. During winter, you must remove the snow from your hedge to preserve its pyramid shape.
In order to provide the necessary nutrients for the development of the plants, you must add compost 2 or 3 cm from the base of the hedge. This operation must be repeated every year. You should also know that cedars are plants that like to be exposed to the sun. Thus, avoid creating shadows around them.
As for pruning the cedar hedge, it is only necessary once a year towards the end of June. At this time, the plants heal more quickly, which encourages their regrowth. Be careful not to prune at the level of old trunks. Only the new light green shoots should be pruned. To prevent the proliferation of cedar leaf miners and spider mites, it is recommended to spray your hedge with contact insecticides.
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