Living hedges, especially of thuja, privet, cherry laurel and similar trees, are popular plantings to protect the garden from prying eyes or to structure larger garden spaces in a meaningful way. However, it becomes problematic when long hedges in particular have to be sufficiently supplied with water.
During dry periods the hedge may need some water
Why you need to water your hedge from time to time
There are several reasons why a hedge needs to be watered from time to time:
- the hedge is in very dry (e.g. sandy) soil
- a dry and/or hot phase is currently prevailing
- the hedge is freshly planted and needs more moisture to grow better
A regular water supply is essential, especially in the first two years, to allow the hedge plants to grow healthily. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging. Even in dry and hot periods - such as have increasingly occurred in spring in recent years - the external water supply is vital for the trees and shrubs.
How much water does the hedge need?
How often and how much water has to be administered depends on factors such as
- the plant species and their water requirements
- the location (full sun, partial shade, shade)
- the soil (sandy, humic, loamy)
Concrete figures cannot be given without knowledge of these factors. Some plant species, for example, have a higher water requirement than others, which can cope with significantly less moisture in the same location. On the other hand, you should plan for a higher water requirement for very warm and sunny locations than for darker ones. The same applies to the soil: sandy soil is very permeable and has only a poor storage capacity - the water practically runs through it. The heavier the soil, the more water it retains - and the less you have to water. Instead, it is important to ensure that no waterlogging forms.
Options for watering the hedge
Of course you can water your hedge in the classic way with the watering can and collected water from the rain barrel, but you will quickly reach your limits. This is especially true if the hedge is very long and runs around the entire garden, for example. An automatic watering system (€32.95) makes this work much easier for you, with classic drip or bead hoses being laid. You can also connect this to an irrigation computer so that the system works completely independently of your physical presence.
tips
If possible, use an irrigation computer with an integrated rain radar to avoid overwatering.