Conifers are popular hedge plants and ideal as privacy and wind protection, for example on the terrace. They are also eye-catchers in the garden as attractive solitary trees. In order for the conifers to thrive optimally, it is important to ensure that all the prerequisites for good growth are in place when planting.
Conifers are often planted in autumn
The cultivation of conifers
Among the most popular types of conifers
- the yew
- the thuja
- the spruce
- the juniper
- different larches
- the cypresses
- the primeval redwood
They all prefer autumn as the ideal planting period. Here the temperatures are moderate and more rain is falling again, which is particularly important for the necessary strong root formation before winter. The best planting period is between August and September.
As an alternative, early spring can also be chosen. The weather must be frost-free and the plant must not yet sprout. Planting in summer will only be successful if you plant with a strong root ball and water it regularly.
soil and location
Conifers are easy to care for and fairly undemanding plants that thrive in almost any normal garden soil. However, some basic rules should be observed:
- Conifers grow better in a sunny spot
- the soil should be loosened and cleared of weeds before planting
- Improve soil with fresh humus
- if necessary, incorporate a dose of Epsom salt
- make sure there is enough space between the individual plants (when planting a hedge)
Plant a conference hedge
So that the conifers quickly grow into an opaque privacy screen, care should be taken to ensure sufficient planting distance. The conifer grows fairly quickly and becomes quite sprawling. A distance of at least 70 cm should be maintained between the individual plants. When planting, make sure that the planting holes are large enough for the roots to develop well. Water the hedge regularly over a longer period of time, if possible during the first three years of life. However, there must be no waterlogging. Standing water leads to root rot. Standing rainwater is suitable as irrigation water because it contains little lime.
A young conifer or conifer hedge can also be trimmed. The pruning should be done before the budding and never down to the old wood.