Do you want more privacy in your garden? A hedge is a sustainable and affordable choice. Here are the key points to consider:
- Costs and lifespan: Hedges are cheaper than fences (€4 per meter vs. €80-€200 per meter) and can last up to 150 years.
- Ecological benefits: Hedges improve biodiversity, provide shelter for animals, and enhance air quality.
- Maintenance: Choose a hedge that fits the time you have available. Evergreen hedges require more maintenance than deciduous types.
- Soil and climate: Check your soil type (sand, clay, peat) and improve it with compost if necessary.
- Growth rate: Fast-growing types (like Laurel) provide privacy quicker but require more frequent pruning. Slow-growing types (like Yew) need less maintenance.
Quick Comparison of Hedge Options
| Type | Privacy | Maintenance | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen (Laurel) | Year-round | Prune 2-3 times a year | 20-50 cm/year |
| Deciduous (Beech) | Seasonal | Prune 1-2 times a year | 30-50 cm/year |
| Slow-growing (Yew) | Year-round | Prune 1-2 times a year | 15-25 cm/year |
With this information, you can immediately choose a hedge that suits your preferences and garden conditions.
Step 1: Check Your Garden's Conditions
Space and Dimensions
Start by assessing the available space and take these factors into account:
| Hedge Height | Number of Plants per Meter | Minimum Distance to Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 cm | 3-4 plants | 50 cm |
| Up to 250 cm | 2-3 plants | 100-200 cm |
Important: The distance to the boundary is measured from the point where the trunk emerges from the ground. Always check local regulations, as they can vary by municipality.
Additionally, it's important to assess the soil quality and maintenance levels of your garden.
Soil, Light, and Climate
Analyze the key growth factors:
The soil in the Netherlands varies greatly by region and significantly influences the success of your hedge. With the Soil Map of the Netherlands, you can easily find out what type of soil you have:
- Marine clay: Rich in nutrients but often very compact.
- Peat: Acidic and moist.
- Sand: Well-drained but low in nutrients.
Improving the soil with compost may be necessary, especially with clay soil. Also, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Needs
Consider how much time you have available for maintaining your hedge. Maintenance varies by type:
| Hedge Type | Pruning Frequency | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen (like Laurel) | 2-3 times a year | High |
| Deciduous | 1-2 times a year | Medium |
| Portuguese Laurel | 3-4 times a year | Very high |
The Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) grows quickly and therefore requires more frequent pruning. If you have little time, it’s better to opt for a slow-growing species like Ligustrum, which requires less maintenance.
Step 2: Choose Your Hedge Type
Now that you have a good idea of the conditions in your garden, it’s time to choose a hedge that meets your needs.
Year-round or Seasonal Hedges
Do you want privacy year-round, or is it okay if the hedge offers less shelter in winter?
| Hedge Type | Privacy | Maintenance | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen | All year | 2-3 times a year | Thuja Brabant, Laurel Caucasica |
| Deciduous | Seasonal | 1-2 times a year | Ligustrum vulgare |
Besides choosing between evergreen or deciduous, it’s also wise to consider how fast the hedge grows and how much maintenance that requires.
Growth Rate and Maintenance
Fast-growing hedges
These grow 1 to 2 meters per year, but as a result, require more pruning (up to 6 times a year).
Examples: Laurel Genolia, Thuja Brabant.
Slow-growing hedges
These grow less than 50 cm per year and require less maintenance (1 to 2 times a year).
Examples: Yew, Common Box.
A good tip: fertilize the hedge in spring and fall and never prune more than 20% of the hedge at once.
Native or Imported Plants
The origin of the plants also plays a role. Native species often fit better with the local climate and contribute to biodiversity.
| Characteristic | Native Species | Imported Species |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Resilience | Excellent | Variable |
| Biodiversity | High | Limited |
| Maintenance | Medium | Often more intensive |
Recommended Native Species
- Ligustrum vulgare (Wild privet)
- Taxus baccata (Yew)
- Hedera helix (Ivy)
When planting: place 2 plants per linear meter with 50 cm spacing. For mixed hedges, it's wise to use at least 75% base plants for a dense and sturdy hedge.
Best Privacy Hedges for Dutch Gardens
Now that you know more about garden conditions and hedge types, let's review some excellent choices for privacy in Dutch gardens.
Coniferous Hedges
Coniferous hedges are ideal for year-round privacy. Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae) is a popular choice due to its dark green color and lasting density. The Thuja 'Brabant' is particularly suitable for the Dutch climate thanks to its strong resistance to weather conditions.
Another option is the Taxus x media 'Hicksii', known for its dense growth and versatility. This hedge performs well in both sun and shade.
| Type | Growth Rate per Year | Maximum Height | Pruning Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja 'Brabant' | 20–35 cm | 4–6 m | 2× per year |
| Taxus x media 'Hicksii' | 15–25 cm | 3–5 m | 1–2× per year |
Evergreen Leaf Hedges
For a more lush appearance, you can choose evergreen leaf hedges. Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) is an excellent candidate, especially the 'Novita' and 'Caucasica' variants, known for their glossy, dark green leaves and hardiness.
Another option is Ligustrum ovalifolium, which grows quickly (40–50 cm per year) and forms a dense hedge. This species thrives in the Dutch climate and provides excellent privacy.
Seasonal Hedges
If you prefer a hedge that changes with the seasons, seasonal hedges are a beautiful choice. Fagus sylvatica (beech) and Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) offer a natural look and fit well with various Dutch soil types.
For smaller gardens, Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense' is a compact option. This hedge is perfect for limited spaces while still providing adequate privacy without taking up too much space.
Step 3: Plant and Care for the Hedge
Instructions for Planting
Plant your hedge between October and April, but avoid frosty periods. Dig a trench 60–80 cm deep to start.
Important steps:
- Mix the excavated soil with compost and leaf soil.
- Maintain the correct gap between plants:
- Buxus: 7 plants per meter
- Yew: 3 plants per meter
- Beech and other types: 5-7 plants per meter
Plant the shrubs at the same depth as in the nursery (identifiable by the root collar). For wider hedges, plant in two rows in a staggered pattern. Water immediately after planting and continue during dry periods.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune about a third of the shrub back after planting. This stimulates branching and ensures a dense, healthy hedge.
| Hedge Type | First Pruning | Maintenance Pruning | Best Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Hedges | After planting | 2× per year | May through September |
| Informal Hedges | After planting | 1× per year | Winter |
| Evergreen Hedges | After planting | 1-2× per year | Late spring/summer |
Pruning tips:
- Avoid pruning in direct sunlight or frost.
- Ensure the bottom is wider than the top.
- Use an electric hedge trimmer and work in upward movements.
Health and Protection
A healthy hedge contributes to privacy and remains attractive for longer. Start with strong, healthy plants and use clean tools.
"When you have a disease in your hedge, targeted action is essential. We'll let you know how to restore your plants to health." - STIHL
Common issues and solutions:
- Fungal diseases: Ensure sufficient ventilation.
- Aphids: Wash them off with a strong jet of water.
- Black Vine Weevil: Use nematodes in spring.
- Root rot: Improve the drainage.
Preventive tips:
- Prune and fertilize regularly.
- Act immediately at signs of disease.
- Remove affected parts.
- Ensure sufficient space between the plants.
With the right approach to planting, pruning, and care, you lay the foundation for a strong and long-lasting hedge.
Summary: Make Your Final Choice
Overview of Key Considerations
When choosing the right hedge for optimal privacy, a structured approach is essential. Here are the main factors and options previously discussed:
| Factor | Criteria | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Fast/Slow | Ligustrum: 30–50 cm/year Yew: 15–25 cm/year |
| Hardiness | Frost Resistant | Ligustrum: up to –30 °C |
| Garden Size | Space Requirements | Small: Buxus, Yew Medium: Beech, Ligustrum Large: All types |
| Maintenance | Pruning Frequency | 1× per year: Yew, Beech 2× per year: Ligustrum, Thuja |
Key Points to Consider:
- Soil quality and drainage
- Desired hedge height and width
- Time available for maintenance
- Need for permanent or seasonal privacy
Use these guidelines to make an informed choice that fits your garden and preferences.
About Bricknest
Are you working on a complete garden renovation? Bricknest can help you achieve your ideal privacy hedge. With their expertise in project management and quality control, they ensure the hedge perfectly matches your garden design. Via their digital platform, you can easily track your project's progress from the initial design to the final placement of the hedge.
