hedges

A hedge is a line of closely spaced woody plants, typically shrubs or small trees, used to define a boundary, provide privacy, or enclose space. Hedges can be evergreen or deciduous, and vary in height and density. When managed as a continuous barrier they are often called hedgerows.

Commonly used species include hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), box (Buxus spp.), privet (Ligustrum spp.), yew (Taxus spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica), holly (Ilex spp.), laurel (Laurus nobilis), and evergreen conifers such as Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii). In formal hedges, plants are trimmed regularly to maintain a uniform silhouette; natural hedges are allowed to grow with less shaping, retaining a wilder appearance.

Establishment involves selecting appropriate species for climate and site, planting at proper spacing, and providing initial protection and moisture. Maintenance ranges from annual or semiannual pruning for formal hedges to occasional shaping, thinning, and rejuvenation for older or wilder hedges. Pruning schedules should consider local wildlife, particularly during nesting seasons, to minimize disruption to birds and other animals.

Ecologically, hedges provide shelter, food, and movement corridors for birds, insects, and small mammals. They can serve as windbreaks, reduce soil erosion, and improve microclimates around adjacent gardens or fields. Hedgerows, longer examples of densely planted boundaries, contribute to landscape biodiversity and agricultural resilience by connecting habitats across rural areas.

Historically, hedges have shaped land use in Europe for centuries, marking property boundaries and field divisions. They remain common in many regions for practical and ecological reasons, reflecting a balance between cultivation, privacy, and biodiversity.