A hedge of coniferous trees fulfills several purposes in the garden: it serves to delimit the property, as protection against prying eyes, against noise and wind, but also to structure the garden space. The latter can be an interesting and simple form of garden design, especially in larger gardens.
Thuja is a classic hedge plant
The best species for a hedge planting
Not every conifer is suitable for hedge planting. Give preference to species that are fast-growing, robust and hardy. Sometimes spruces are recommended for a hedge, but this is strongly discouraged. These conifers do not tolerate regular, heavy pruning very well and often do not sprout again. On the other hand, the following types have proven themselves.
Occidental tree of life (Thuja occidentalis)
In the case of thuja, the variety of varieties is remarkable: high-growing varieties can be used wonderfully for high hedges and as privacy and wind protection, dwarf forms for lower hedges (e.g. to frame a perennial bed or a grave). The varieties 'Brabant' or 'Smaragd' are very popular for hedges. Thuja is very tolerant of pruning and also withstands severe pruning very well. Plant the hedge in a sunny to partially shaded location with fresh to moist, humus-rich soil. This can be slightly acidic to alkaline.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
The European yew has been cultivated in our gardens since time immemorial and is considered to be very durable, adaptable and robust. As a solitaire, it is often multi-stemmed from the base and can grow up to 15 meters in height. As a hedge, the yew is considered to be well tolerated by pruning and is a popular topiary. In contrast to many other conifers, the yew also thrives in the shade and is just as undemanding in terms of soil. This can be slightly acidic to alkaline, sandy to loamy-humic, but must not have a tendency to waterlogging.
Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
This interesting tree has fan- or feather-shaped branches with scale-like leaves that overlap like an imbricated shingle. They are dark to grey-green, with some varieties also steel blue or yellow. The species, which tolerates pruning very well, should be planted in a sunny to partially shaded location, but does not tolerate heat or drought. The soil can be slightly acidic to alkaline, sandy or loamy.
tips
The Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii), some juniper species and varieties (Juniperus) and some pine species (Pinus) are also well suited for hedge planting.