Pretty Hedges Planted In A Row

There comes a time in a homeowner's life where they become interested in making the outdoor appearance of their home a priority. This time could occur when the home is first purchased and done in an effort to make the home perfect in their eyes. It could however be done later, when the homeowner retires, or when their schedule allows for such tasks. No matter when the urge hits however, the first thing a homeowner should do when thinking about landscaping is make a plan. Although planting seeds and flowers is usually the first thing that comes to mind, homeowners should strongly consider starting with the addition of hedges.

In the past, when homes were built, hedges were automatically installed in various locations throughout the yard. They can still be found thriving on older homes. Newer homes however are built quickly and cheaply and hedges are rarely included. The great thing about hedges is that unlike flowers, most of them will offer continuous beauty, even in the winter months. They can be added to the front, side, or rear of a home. They can also be added to the sides of a driveway in order to offer a more elegant and classic look. Just be sure, if you do choose to add them to the sides of a driveway that they give your car doors enough clearance to open completely.

Choosing a species of hedge can be important as well. Most hedge species will thrive in any area that has full or partial sun. Several varieties will not grow well in the shade however. If you have a shady area where you want to add hedges, be sure to choose a species that does well in shade. They are available, so visit your local garden center to choose the proper type before planting.

Once you do decide what type and where you want your hedges to go, planting will be a breeze. Simply dig a hole that is large enough for the entire root system. This may mean that your hole is larger than you would expect. The root system of a hedge needs room in which to thrive, so keep that in mind while digging. The hole however does not need to be incredibly deep. It should be wide enough for the hedge and its root system, but allow the hedge to sit no more than a few inches underground after planted. Hedges do best when they are able to take in more air and planting them too deep will not allow them to do so. After the hedge is placed and the dirt is replaced, give the plant a good drink of water.

Choosing where to put your hedges is probably the most difficult thing you will face regarding these plants. They are otherwise very simply to plant and care for. You basically plant them and allow them to thrive on their own. There is no extra watering needed for most hedges. They simply adapt to their environment and take in the rainwater nature provides. Occasionally you may want to prune your hedges. When pruning, consider these things: you should always prune in small amounts. If you go overboard and prune large amounts, you will likely be unhappy with the results. Prune a little area and then step back to examine your work. Continue at this pace until you are satisfied with the hedge.

Although you can plant hedges at any time, the preferred planting time is early spring. This will give your hedge and its root system a substantial amount of time to stabilize before the next winter season. Gardeners will also tell you that different types of hedges should be pruned at different times of the year. For instance, some hedge species should be pruned in late winter while others should be pruned in the spring. If you are interested in your specific hedge species and when to prune, visit your local nursery for information.

Overall, hedges are the perfect way to add simple elegance to your home's outdoor areas. They need very little care, meaning you can enjoy their beauty without having to slave over them each week. If you love a nice landscaped look, but have no time to devote to gardening, hedges are the perfect option for you. So, visit your city nursery and begin choosing the hedges that will transform your home today.