The removal of hedges is associated with a lot of effort and often quite expensive. The shrubs first have to be cut back, painstakingly dug up and then disposed of. That is why some garden owners want an uncomplicated solution.

You can kill a hedge by cutting it down radically and then covering it

observe the legal situation

Before removing the hedge, be sure to take a look at the Federal Nature Conservation Act, regardless of whether you want to remove it mechanically or with chemicals:

  • From March 1st to September 30th radical clearing work is not allowed.
  • Violators face severe penalties.

Environmentally friendly means of destruction

If possible, you should use these. The advantage: Mildly effective, they protect the plants and animals in the area. It has proven useful, for example, to radically cut back the hedge and cover the remaining parts of the plant with a thick foil. In the long term, this deprives the plants of their livelihood, as photosynthesis is suppressed.

Depending on the type of hedge plants, you can try to settle fast-growing climbing plants. Due to their sprawling growth and high nutrient requirements, they cause the shrubs to slowly die.

However, with this method, the green privacy screen remains in place for quite some time. If you are primarily bothered by the monotonous green or bushes that have become bare in the ground area, climbing artists such as clematis or honeysuckle ensure an appealing look.

Effective but less environmentally friendly: The chemical club

For ecological reasons, these agents should only be used in emergencies. Various chemical preparations for killing hedges, which almost always contain glyphosate, are available from garden supply stores. These should only be used in the autumn and winter months, as the plant juices then do not rise.

However, it takes quite some time until the entire privacy screen is dead. Disadvantage: If the bushes have completely died down, you cannot initially settle any other plants in the same place, since the chemical agents continue to inhibit growth.

Method:

  • Shorten the hedge significantly above ground.
  • Mix preparation according to package instructions.
  • Wear protective clothing and apply the herbicides very carefully.
  • Drill a few holes in woody stumps and pour the remedy in here.
  • Remove all parts of the plant after they have died.

tips

The roots of the hedge plants can be firmly and deeply attached to the soil. Excavation is then extremely difficult. Wrap a sturdy rope or chain around the stump and use a jack to pry the rootstock out.

Category:

Garden design