A deciduous hedge scores with convincing advantages. It is easy to plant and care for. It offers a valuable habitat for countless beneficial insects. The native elder is considered an ideal hedge plant. This is how you plant and care for it in a species-appropriate manner.
It's so easy to plant an elderberry hedge
The ideal time for planting an elder hedge is between October and March on a frost-free day. Depending on the type of elderberry, plan 1 to 2 young plants per meter. If you want an opaque growth, a loose, two-row arrangement is recommended. The location should be sunny to semi-shady, with the soil rich in nutrients, permeable and fresh and moist.
Cords stretched between stakes serve as a guide, while planting pits with twice the volume of the root ball are dug. Consider a sufficient distance to neighboring properties, buildings and paved areas of 200-300 centimeters. Before planting the elder, enrich the excavation with compost and horn shavings.(32.93€) After the earth has been compacted and watered generously, spread out a layer of bark mulch.
Useful care tips
In the first few weeks after planting, the water requirement of an elder hedge proves to be high. Water plentifully and regularly without causing waterlogging. Once the roots have grown, the care program is reduced to a few points:
- water regularly when dry
- do not water overhead and not in direct sunlight
- fertilize organically every 3-4 weeks from March to August/September
- alternatively apply a mineral long-term fertilizer in March and June
- if necessary, pruning is possible from December to March
- Tear off water shoots immediately all year round
Elderberry is particularly suitable as a hedge plant due to its enormous tolerance to cutting. If a majestic black elder grows over your head, it can even handle a radical rejuvenation cut. In this case, pay attention to the legal protection period for hedges from March 1st to September 30th.
tips and tricks
If you mix the elder hedge with other native wild trees, the ecological impact is multiplied many times over. Elder bushes provide food for more than 60 bird species. The berries are dropped along with the leaves. If, for example, the rowanberry joins them, they then feed the bird life throughout the winter.
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