How to Lay Hedging: A Professional Guide

Hedge laying is a centuries-old skill that not many people today know how to do. Originally, hedges were used to stop farm animals from straying but today, they make beautiful boundaries for properties. Working as a live fence, hedgerows encourage wildlife and new growth and make a property look great. In this post, we’ll show you how we lay hedges in Salisbury and the work that goes into it.

Prepare the space

First, we remove the lower side branches from each stem of the hedge plants. This lets light penetrate the base of the hedge to encourage new, thick growth from the ground up. The goal is to have a thick, even hedge, so the more prep work we do, the better the hedges will look when they fill in.

Cut the stems

When we cut the stems of each plant, it’s important to slice down at an angle just above ground level. This needs to be a deep enough cut to let the stem bend so it can lay down but shouldn’t go all the way through.

Lay down the hedge

Once each stem has a deep cut, each stem can be laid down along the entire length of the area you want the hedge. Each stem needs a slight upward slant and shouldn’t be laid completely flat. Having this slight angle means sap can rise up through the plant and encourage healthier growth.

Add strength and stability

Stakes are needed throughout the hedgerow for added strength and stability while the hedge grows in. Around 50cm apart, we drive a sturdy stake into the ground and hammer it in. Each stake should be around a metre and a half tall, both hazel and ash wood work well for strength.

Bind the stakes

Next, we bind the stakes together using special rods known as binders, weavers, or heathers. These are only around 25mm thick, giving them the flexibility to weave in and out of the stakes to give sturdy support.

When done correctly, binders not only add crucial support to the hedge but can look quite decorative while the hedge grows in.

Encourage regrowth

Once the hedge is bound, we cut the cleft stumps down to ground level. These are part of the stem we haven’t cut yet and encourages regrowth. Cut the cleft stumps where you want your hedge to grow, as these will be the places that fill in first.

Hire Professional Hedge Layers in Salisbury

Laying hedges is a skill that takes time to develop and do well. If you’d love hedges on your property but you’re not sure how to begin, give us a call. We are specialist fences and hedge layers in Salisbury for both residential and commercial clients and will come out to give you our advice and a free quote: 01722 718 660

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