I’ve always heard the benefits of planting a living fence instead of constructing one out of wood or metal. Hedges are adaptable and can be pruned to a variety of sizes and shapes. Plus, they never need to be painted, which is a big plus as far as I’m concerned. I experimented last year with a hedge alternating firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) and privet (Ligustrum amurense). The leaves are very similar but the branching structure, flowering and fruiting seem to provide a nice contrast. I planted them in a row about 15 inches apart and will do some pruning at the base to ensure they branch out nice and low so my dog can’t squeeze under anywhere. Plus, I want to make sure I get a wide base so I can angle it back toward the top middle to maximize sun exposure. Ultimately, this could grow to be a 12 foot hedge. But I plan on keeping it in the 6 to 8 foot range.

I am also experimenting with European hornbeams (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’) to create a living arch. I saw a picture of one that was trained into an arch by pulling it all the way over and staking the top to the ground.  I didn’t have the budget for a tree that size, so I bought two smaller ones that can grow together at the top of the arch.  Unlike some of the bending going on under the 18 inches of snow we got this past weekend, I’ll gradually start bending the hornbeams in the spring. I am not yet sure what I’ll use at the top to make the connection. I am not too worried about whether or not the trees will bend correctly so long as I don’t try to force it too fast. 

Posted by Bob Rensel

Tags: European hornbeams, hedge alternating firethorn, hedges, privet, trees

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 8:04 am and is filed under Bob Rensel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.