- prepare ground
- Plant a hedge of false cypresses
- False cypress hedges must be trimmed regularly
- Hedge care in the early years
- Non-toxic alternative to cypress hedges
False cypresses are used as hedges in many gardens. They are fast-growing, evergreen and opaque within a few years. However, such a hedge also has its disadvantages. It needs a sunny location. Without care, it quickly becomes unsightly and bare from below.
With the right care, false cypresses form a dense, high hedge
prepare ground
- loosen soil
- Dig planting holes
- mix with mature compost
- loosen damp soil with sand
- create drainage if necessary
The planting distance between the false cypresses should be between 30 and 50 centimeters, depending on the later height.
Don't place cypress hedges too close to fences or walls. You should leave at least 50 centimeters of space for hedge care.
The municipal code regulates the distance to the neighboring property that must be maintained.
Plant a hedge of false cypresses
Mark out the course of the hedge and use string to straighten the cypress hedge.
Plant the false cypresses in such a way that the bale is completely covered with soil.
Water the plants well, but make sure that the moisture does not accumulate.
False cypress hedges must be trimmed regularly
False cypresses in the hedge need regular pruning. Otherwise they will be bare from below and then no longer offer good privacy protection.
Prune in spring and fall or once after June 24, St. John's Day.
When the hedge has reached the desired height, clip the tops. The new shoots cover the resulting brown spots within a few months.
Hedge care in the early years
Until the cypresses are properly established and can take care of themselves, you have to fertilize and water the hedge regularly. Later the plants take care of themselves.
A mulch layer is recommended because it prevents weeds from emerging and provides the cypress with nutrients.
Non-toxic alternative to cypress hedges
Like all arborvitae, all parts of false cypresses are poisonous. They are therefore not suitable for planting in gardens with small children and pets.
A good alternative is the hornbeam. It is non-toxic and even easier to care for than the cypress.
tips
Hedges that consist only of false cypresses often appear artificial and boring. Provide a natural break by interspersing thuja, snow jasmine or hornbeam.