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Hedge Maintenance - Aberdeen

Hedges come in many varieties, shapes and sizes; to get the most out of our hedges they need to be regularly maintained. What appears to be a simple task can easily get out of hand if not managed correctly using advice from professionals. Arborist-Direct Aberdeen are skilled in hedge planting and maintenance, be it in the city or in the country.

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A well selected and cared-for hedge is beautiful, adding to our enjoyment at home and to the value of our properties. A poorly selected or poorly maintained hedge can be an eye-sore, a contentious issue with neighbours and even a legal liability.

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Hedge Selection and Hedge Planting

Good hedges can be a real asset to any homeowner or land-owner. Before planting a hedge we need to know the location, land topography and drainage and the purpose it will be put-to. Different tree/hedge types are more suited to exposed or sheltered locations, also wet or dry ground. Arborists from Arborist-Direct Aberdeen have the experience and training to provide expert advice on hedge type selection, when and how to plant and have environmental knowledge of likely local wildlife impacts.

Most hedges are initially utilised as a mechanism to delineate boundaries for land ownership or garden separation: They are used instead of walls or fences, but sometimes utilised in a combination with these ‘hard’ boundary limits, either to hide an unsightly wall or where the addition of a fence gives a more robust limitation to cattle or public thoroughfares. Current and future access is another key consideration: Hedge type selection must take into account what maintenance services will be required and how they will be executed; there is no point planting a hedge that cannot be adequately maintained

Well selected hedges can provide shelter from winds, deadening from local noise sources, adding to a feeling of calm around our houses and property. Hedges can be attractive and provide natural habitat for birds and other wildlife: A hedge can act as a sanctuary for song-birds, keeping them out of the direct reach of domestic cats.

Common types of hedges in Aberdeen City, Deeside and Donside include: beech, privet, hawthorn, laurel and leylandii (Cupressus) – there being many varieties of each type. Some hedges are more suited to large properties, some grow faster than others, some are easier to manage, some are more attractive, some are difficult to manage. Good advice is key to obtaining the ideal hedge desired.

Our tree care specialists are always available to answer your questions and give you as much help as they can.

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Hedge Maintenance – Pruning, Cutting and Trimming Hedges

Once the initial saplings are planted they need to be cared for to become established – requiring adequate watering, possibly feeding, and certainly protection from high winds, wildlife and household pets. This may entail supporting, staking or tube protection for the first few months. Once established the growth of the young trees need to be observed and maybe protected from insects and disease.

The desired size and shape of any hedge needs to be recognised early in its life, if it is to deliver the desired result. Early mild pruning, even of the smallest branches can be a pre-requisite to contain growth in the manner desired. There are obvious examples where hedges significantly outgrow their desired shape; becoming an eyesore to neighbours, a nuisance to the public and removing light and garden space from the hedge owners.

Serious pruning must be regularly undertaken, certainly from approx. 3 years onwards if hedges are to stay under control. Examples of poor maintenance include :

  • Beech hedges becoming a row of 10m to 15m tall beech trees: Giving no boundary value as a hedge and with inadequate spacing for such large trees to grow to maturity. Eventually such trees need to be topped, becoming unattractive to owners and neighbours.
  • Leylandii hedges growing into very tall trees, cutting out light from owners and neighbours gardens. If topped become ugly; if side trimmed losing all foliage and seeing only brown wood.
  • Laurel and Privet hedges growing above and beyond low garden walls, overhanging footpaths and seriously encroaching on pavements; producing safety hazards for all pedestrians especially young mothers with prams alongside busy roads. Such hedges then need heavily cutting back, leaving only unsightly brown wood!
  • Privet hedges grow beyond their intended size. Although regularly trimmed by owners, allowed to grow wider and eventually sagging and bowing out. Such overgrown hedges are very difficult to correct resulting in them being uprooted and replaced much earlier than planned.
Hedge maintenance in aberdeen
Hedge maintenance in aberdeen

Hedge Maintenance Frequency

It is important that a qualified and experienced Arborist is consulted, not only when planting a hedge but also when planning the required maintenance programme. Arborist-Direct Aberdeen specialists can advise on maintenance/ pruning frequency for all types of hedge. It may be that a particular hedge requires attention every year, especially when it reaches the desired shape and size. Some hedges may only need regular cutting in the growing season with pruning every two or three years. It is however critical that excess growth is controlled if hedges are to have long useful lives. A good Arborist can advise owners how they might undertake some of the pruning themselves.

Arborist-Direct Aberdeen can provide the necessary equipment to maintain almost any hedge: This would include power trimmers with the required extensions, pruning cutters and saws, ladders and elevated platforms, chippers for large volumes of branches and foliage and vehicles to remove the waste.

The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.
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