Why Choose Hedges Over Fences?

Hegemony - in the spirit of ‘I’m sorry I haven’t a clue’ - has a new definition. It’s the money saved in the long term by planting a hedge instead of fencing – well, it is in our book! Hedges have multiple advantages: they’re beautiful, super wildlife friendly, sustainable and storm resistant. And unlike fences that lose their looks, deteriorate over time and need repair and/or replacement, they grow stronger, denser and lovelier with longevity.

For speedy and instant results, go for rootball yew which grows like topsy. Beech is perfect for those who love the contrast of bright green spring foliage and fluttery copper autumn and winter pyjamas, whilst hornbeam, architectural box, brightly berried cotoneaster and holly, roses and a multitude of other hedging options provide styles and sizes to suit all places and pockets.

And if you need a fast-growing hedge for privacy, Cherry Laurel, Privet or Western Red Cedar will do the trick!

Go formal or informal, fluffy or architectural, mixed or single variety, toweringly grand or small and discreet – your garden or yard is a blank canvas and your living screen will be a transformational and triumphant addition to it. To blow our own trumpet, our bare-root hedging plants have won us a Which ‘Best Buy’ award, so have a look at the website and don’t fence it, hedge it!

@ashridgenurseries Why would I pay for a fence that blocks nature when I can grow a boundary that: ✅ Brings wildlife ✅ Cleans the air ✅ Looks better every year!” Don’t fence it, hedge it! #DontFenceItHedgeIt #HotTake #SustainabilityTok #GardenDesign #BarerootSpecialists #HedgingExperts ♬ original sound - Ashridge Nurseries

The best time to plant bare-rooted hedging is between November and March, when plants are dormant and have time to establish before the growing season starts and they gallivant into life.

In terms of maintenance, hedges, like people, benefit from regular hair-cuts. There’s a fine line between casually tousled and shaggily overgrown and regularly trimmed hedges are not only neater but don’t go leggy. Ideal trimming times vary according to the kind of hedge you’ve planted (see our hedge pruning advice page) and do remember wild birds nest in hedges between early March and early August – sometimes earlier and sometimes later. Check you won’t be damaging or destroying a nest or the eggs - it’s illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and carries an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in clink…

So enjoy planning your boundaries and hedging and – as we’ve said before - don’t fence it, hedge it! It’s great for the environment, great for wildlife and great for the feel good factor of doing something fabulous.