10 Reasons to Consider Growing a Hedgerow

Not to start off being overly pedantic, but we need to begin by defining the terms—in this context—hedge and hedgerow. In both cases, we are talking about plants or trees planted closely together in a line to create a sort of living fence.

For our purposes, we are going to differentiate between the two by establishing hedges as using a single species and hedgerows as using mixed plantings. Hedges are commonly some type of evergreen tree clipped to a certain height and shape. Hedgerows will be a bit wilder with a collection of trees, shrubs, and herbs that combine to establish an obvious boundary.

Hedges are great because they utilize living, oxygen-producing plants instead of fencing materials, but there are many reasons that hedgerows can be even better. Let’s delve into why both hedges and hedgerows are awesome, as well as visit some of the added benefits of the hedgerow over the single-species hedge.

Source: Catchy Garden/YouTube

Why Hedges & Hedgerows Are Wonderful

Hedges and hedgerows as we are defining them both have positives. They are very functional landscape features, which can include edibility.

1. They are great privacy screens. Many people put up wooden fences or something similar to give themselves more privacy. But, plants are much more pleasing to look at for both those inside and outside your space. They do take a little longer to completely conceal a space, so the sooner they are planted the better.
2. They reduce outside noise and smells. Plants and trees are very good at muting sound, including noise from cars and passersby. In this way, they can be a nice way to mark boundaries and enclose the yard, provide not just visual privacy but sound muffling, too. The same goes for smells.
3. They act as windbreaks. Wind can be rough on houses, veggie patches, and lawn furniture. Hedges and hedgerows can reduce wind speed significantly so that the space remains comfortable. They also help with dust and/or snow that can be blown in by the wind. Less wind can reduce winter heating costs.
4. They are valuable habitats. Urban and suburban development has been rough on the natural world. Lawns and fences only exacerbate the problem. Hedges and hedgerows are a bit like having a bit of forest in an otherwise drab lawn. They offer shelter to lots of small animals, especially birds.
5. They increase soil stability. Trees and shrubbery will help to absorb the impact of rain, and they’ll aid in controlling water runoff on a property. This means the hydrology of the landscape will be much better, erosion will be significantly reduced, and nutrients will stay onsite. Hedges and hedgerows can also help with filtering out pollutants you don’t want to come onto a property.
6. They can produce food. Lots of plants that are well-suited for hedges and hedgerows also produce good food. Berries, hazelnuts, and other awesome perennial plants work wonderfully as hedges or in hedgerows. They do all the work listed above, and they provide healthy food as well.

Source: Oregon State University Ecampus/YouTube

Why Hedgerows Are Even More Wonderful

Alas, we are talking about two methodologies here, and there are some very positive things to say about using mixed species versus just one type of plant.

7. Hedgerows create biodiversity. While a row of productive, healthy, organically-grown trees or shrubs is great, a row of many different types of productive, healthy, organically-grown trees and shrubs is even better. We get all sorts of flowers blooming, different colors and sizes and shapes, as well as an amazing selection of produce. Biodiversity has much more ecological stability because, if one species gets ill or troubled by pests, the others pick up the slack.
8. Hedgerows are wildly beautiful. Sure, evergreen hedges are lovely, and some people love cutting them into neat, boxy shapes. But, having a varied collection of plants with differently shaped leaves, various times for flowering, and unique widths and heights makes for a more visually interesting landscape. Plus, it provides much more opportunity for creativity and collecting all your favorite plants.
9. Hedgerows entice pollinators. With different plants producing flowers and fruits throughout the growing season, pollinators and other wildlife will love a hedgerow. It mimics the wilderness much more than a monoculture hedge does.
10. Hedgerows open up more opportunities. Awesome features like landscaping stones, birdbaths, and stumperies can add to the experience. Herbs and annual flowers can be included along the edges of the hedgerow. Hedgerows can change width, height, and depth so that hidden seating areas and other useful features can be incorporated.

Why Plant Hedgerow This Year

The major downside to growing a hedgerow (or hedges) over putting up a fence is that they take time to develop. It can be three or four years before they get up and running. But, the best things come to those who wait. The sooner you plant it, the sooner it’ll get there.

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Related Content:

• Cultivating Wild Berries as Edible Hedges
• 7 Hedge Shrubs That Can Provide Privacy and Sustenance
• 7 DIY Projects for Beautifying Your Fence
• What is a Living Fence and How to Grow One
• 4 Climbing Plants to Grow Up Arbors, Trellises, and Archways

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