Materials
In addition to trees and shrubs, the only materials which may be needed are a number of suitable stakes and ties and possibly some form of protection. The need for these depends on the size of the plants supplied.
Construction of a Hedgerow Habitat
Although a common feature in the British landscape, hedgerows are actually artificially created boundaries between fields and alongside roads and tracks. They were originally established to contain livestock. They face different directions and so they may have shaded, sunny, dry or moist aspects and as a result they can support a wide variety of plants and small animals. Hedges also provide corridors along which both plants and animals can migrate.
Preparation
Select strip plots which are suitable as boundaries within the Wildlife Area. The width of ground preparation will need to be 60-90cm. (24-36in.). At Garforth, hedges form the perimeter boundary between the College and the Wildlife Area. Hedges also separate the different Phases of the project. There is a double width hedge between the A63 (a main road between Leeds and Selby) and the Wildlife Area. So as part of the whole design we have different aspects for the hedgerow habitat. Be aware of the prevailing wind direction. Young sapling specimens can suffer badly from wind-burn in the first years and growth can be slow or stopped altogether.
Remove any perennial grasses and unsuitable plants. If necessary,treat persistent plants with a systemic weed-killer (glyphosate based types) to completely rid the site of unwanted specimens. This will remove any competition between plants when hedgerow saplings are put in place. Grasses will colonise the plots soon enough!
If fences and gates/stiles are to be part of the design, they should be erected before any planting of the hedge takes place.
A list of typical native trees and shrubs should be made (Check out the Lists of flora we used). Perhaps a planting plan can be drawn, so that when bare-root specimens arrive, there is minimum delay in getting them into the ground!
Materials
In addition to trees and shrubs, the only materials which may be needed are a number of suitable stakes and ties and possibly some form of protection. The need for these depends on the size of the plants supplied.
Construction
Spacing for most hedging plants is 30-60cm. (12-24in.). Container-grown specimens can be planted out at any time of year, except during drought or frost. Bare-root saplings should be planted between mid-autumn and mid-spring (avoiding periods of frost). Larger, root-balled trees are best planted in early to mid-autumn or mid- to late spring.
Dig a hole which is wide enough for the specimen's roots to be spread out fully. Each specimen should have a dark soil mark on the stem which indicates the soil level when it was growing in the nursery. Lay a cane across the hole to check the planting depth. The depth should be adjusted by adding /removing soil so that the soil mark on the plant is level with the cane. This applies to both bare-root and container-grown plants.
Back fill each hole, firming the soil in stages to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly and apply a mulch to the area where the roots will be developing.
Saplings may need to be protected from damage caused by rabbits or other animals which strip bark. On exposed sites, shelters may be fitted to assist young plants to become established. These come in the form of degradable plastic tubes, but wire mesh will protect the plant from animal damage.
Choose native trees and shrubs which will provide flowers and berries for insects and birds. Species include:
