Hedging and hedges – laying

Over time hedges deteriorate, especially if they are neglected, if growth at the top is good, but thinning near the base, laying will restore and rejuvenate the hedgerow by encouraging new growth at the base. Many native species can be laid, hawthorn is the easiest but you can also attempt this task with ash, blackthorn, elm, field maple and hazel.

Somewhat surprisingly, the hedge should allowed to grow to about eight feet in height before it is laid although any stems in diameter than eight or so inches or ones that are awkwardly-shaped or out of the proper line of the hedge should be cut out before work takes place. A hedge is laid in winter and you should start work from the side that is least seen.

Cut away side growth from the lower stems and remove debris from the bottom of the hedge. Now you need to cut the main upright stems almost all the way through, as near the ground as you can. You cut them on the opposite side to the direction of lay and bend them over at an angle of approximately 35 degrees. Now you need to drive hazel or ash stakes into the hedge about sixteen to eighteen inches apart and weave the stems you have cut in and out of them. If necessary you can use binders to hold the pleached stems down.

The gap at the end of a laid hedge is usually filled with unwanted stems cut from the hedge as you progress and hammered gently into the ground. It sounds like a lot of hard work, doesn’t it? But a well laid hedge can last half a century before it thins again at the base.

Hedge gardening wild hedge photograph by Victoria Peckham, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

© blueworldgardener.co.uk