In May of last year I planted a Beech Hedge, (Hornbeam to be precise) against the fence at the front of Blackbirds.
After 12 months of growth I have to say I am a little disappointed how long it’s taken these plants to get going. I used bare rooted plants, incorporated lots of compost in the planting hole and have been diligent with my watering.
I have read Beech and Hornbeam in particular is slow to grow away so I’m still hopeful we will have a half decent hedge in the next 5 – 10 years.
Unfortunately about 30% of the original plants have failed which I guess could be down to the extreme winter we had and the lack of any serious rainfall in Hampshire this year.
Anyway I’ve decided to plant a few Laurel plants in-between to try and fill the hedge out in the short term.
My neighbors all grow them very successfully, which must be down to the abundance of lime in our soil.
I grew them from cuttings which my neighbor very kindly let me have last summer. They grew really well and only 10% failed, so I’m going to have another go at growing a few more this summer.
Now I’m off to do a rain dance in a bid to help my vegetables through this terrible drought we’re experiencing in Hampshire.
Best wishes,
I too, am thinking of planting a beech hedge where we have recently taken down some leylandii. My husband says we won’t live to reep the benefit as they are so slow to grow. Judging from your post, he’s right! I really want to bring some ‘Exmoor hedge’ into our small town garden but I might have to think again…………………Nicky
Hi Nicky.
We’ve planted Laurel which seems to be growing away quite well. The beech is still alive but hardly put on any growth, despite feeding it once a month.
Regards,
T.
Just read your previous emails about slow growing beech and beech failure. I have an established beech hedge and have been infilling various gaps. However, all last year’s gap planted specimens failed (2011), which I guess was as a result of the harsh winter and dry spring. However, I planted replacements last autumn (2011), where autumn was mild followed by a mildish winter. Very wet Spring 2012. However, whilst developing buds of some sorts, only TWO have managed to leaf, and only just at that. The rest are, well, still brown leafed. Why is this? They all (at the moment) still appear to be alive (green stems when you break them), although its now June and I can’t see them developing leaves. I used compost when I put them in and have been regularly watering, so its not down to dry soil. Light clay soil in shaded area. Any ideas before I give up completely?