Things to consider before getting a hedge

Whether you’ve just moved house and are starting a new garden project or you’re renovating your current outdoor space, the law surrounding hedge planting can be a bit unclear. The first thing to address from the outset is that you do not need planning permission to plant a hedge. You do however need to take a few things into consideration to avoid any high hedge disputes and maintenance issues.

Maintenance

There are no laws in place that state how high you can grow your hedge. However It is the owners responsibility to maintain the hedge. Please ensure the hedge is not overhanging or affecting any neighbours. The owner should take action to prevent it from growing to a height that can have adverse effects on neighbouring properties, especially if asked to do so. If your hedge does get out of control and you do not take action to resolve it, your neighbour can file a high hedge complaint to the local council. With a little bit of forward thinking when planting, high hedge issues can be easily avoided. Trimming your hedge twice a year should be sufficient for maintaining its size and keeping it looking pristine.

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Choosing the right species

When selecting a hedging species, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you make the right choice. First and foremost, what is the primary goal for planting the hedge? Is it intended for privacy, security, or purely aesthetic purposes? Once you have established the main purpose, you can then consider other factors, such as the type of soil in which it will be planted and whether the area is prone to waterlogging. These factors will play a crucial role in making the right decision, as the health and longevity of the tree may depend on it. For instance, yew trees are prone to root rot when left in waterlogged areas for extended periods.

Another important consideration is the growth rate of the trees. While fast-growing hedging plants may be excellent for creating instant privacy screens, they can quickly become unmanageable if left unchecked. However, with proper maintenance, this need not be a concern. Fast-growing hedging plants can be purchased at just a meter tall, and within a few years, they can provide an impressive, dense privacy screen. By taking into account these various factors when selecting a hedging species, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting hedge.

Location

When deciding to get a hedge you should take some time to consider if the location you have chosen for your hedge is suitable. Make sure in the future your hedge will not be obstructing anything or anyone. Local planning authorities can impose certain conditions in regard to the placement of hedges to ensure the boundary is suitable for planting but, with a good design in place, this needn’t be a concern. Planning and planting a hedge doesn’t have to be hard work if you do your research beforehand to make sure you choose a species suited to your site. If you do not have the time or expertise to do this yourself we can help you every step of the way. Here at Instant Tree our customers always come first and we want to make your life as easy and simple as possible. Once you have chosen where you want the hedge, we can assess the area using utility maps. This shows us where gas pipes, live cables and other sewage pipes may be located, giving us an idea if it's safe to dig. We will also evaluate the area for potential problems in the future, such as disruption from root growth into pathways or foundations. Having plans of the boundaries of your land is also helpful in determining whether or not you can plant in the desired location.