Setos

Setos are rows of shrubs or small trees planted close together to form a barrier, privacy screen, windbreak, or decorative feature in gardens and landscapes. They can be evergreen or deciduous, vary in height and density, and are often shaped through regular pruning to create formal borders or maintain a natural, dense hedge.

Common plant choices for setos vary by climate. In temperate regions, evergreen options such as boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), privet (Ligustrum vulgare), yew (Taxus baccata), and holly (Ilex aquifolium) are popular for year-round screening. In warmer areas, laurel (Laurus nobilis), pittosporum, and photinia are frequently used. Deciduous hedges include beech (Fagus sylvatica), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), which provide seasonal changes in texture and color.

Maintenance involves regular pruning to sustain shape, density, and health. Timing depends on species and climate; many evergreen setos are trimmed once or twice a year, while deciduous hedges may be pruned after leaf-out or in late winter. Proper pruning techniques, along with appropriate watering, fertilization, and soil management, support vigorous growth and longevity. Planting spacing and initial establishment are important for a quick, durable screen.

Ecologically, setos offer habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals, while also contributing to microclimates and wind reduction around buildings. Culturally, hedges have long been used in European garden design and agricultural landscapes as property dividers, borders, and aesthetic features. The term seto, in many Romance languages, reflects its role as a hedgerow.