Hedges provide privacy, define property lines, and add aesthetic appeal to any landscape. However, the ground beneath these verdant barriers often gets overlooked. What you put under your hedges significantly impacts their health, growth, and the overall look of your garden. This comprehensive guide explores the various options, weighing their pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your hedges and your garden’s ecosystem.
The Importance of Under-Hedge Management
Ignoring the area under your hedges can lead to problems. Compacted soil, weed infestations, and nutrient deficiencies can all negatively impact hedge growth. Good under-hedge management promotes healthy root systems, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides essential nutrients. Ultimately, it contributes to a thriving and visually appealing hedge.
Addressing Common Under-Hedge Issues
Before deciding what to put under your hedges, assess the current conditions. Is the soil compacted? Are weeds a persistent problem? Is the area prone to dryness? Addressing these issues beforehand will ensure that your chosen solution is effective.
Compacted soil can be remedied with aeration. Use a garden fork or aerating tool to create small holes, improving drainage and air circulation. Weeds should be removed manually or with organic herbicides before applying any under-hedge covering. Dryness can be improved by adding organic matter to the soil to increase its water-retention capacity.
Popular Under-Hedge Options: A Detailed Look
Several options exist for covering the ground under your hedges, each offering different benefits and drawbacks. Let’s delve into some of the most popular choices.
Mulch: The Gardener’s Best Friend
Mulch is arguably the most common and beneficial under-hedge covering. It comes in various forms, both organic and inorganic, each with its unique properties.
Organic Mulch: Feeding the Soil
Organic mulches, such as wood chips, shredded bark, compost, and pine straw, decompose over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients. They also improve soil structure, water retention, and suppress weed growth. Decomposition attracts beneficial microorganisms, further enhancing soil health.
Wood chips are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They break down slowly, providing long-lasting weed suppression. Shredded bark offers a more refined look and also decomposes slowly. Compost is an excellent soil amendment, providing a rich source of nutrients. Pine straw is particularly well-suited for acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons.
When applying organic mulch, ensure it’s spread evenly to a depth of 2-4 inches. Avoid piling mulch directly against the hedge’s stems, as this can promote rot and pest infestations. Replenish the mulch as it decomposes to maintain its effectiveness.
Inorganic Mulch: Long-Lasting Weed Control
Inorganic mulches, such as gravel, pebbles, and landscape fabric, don’t decompose and therefore don’t add nutrients to the soil. However, they offer excellent weed suppression and can create a clean, uniform look.
Gravel and pebbles are durable and long-lasting. They provide good drainage and can help regulate soil temperature. Landscape fabric is a synthetic material that blocks sunlight, preventing weed growth. It’s often used under gravel or pebbles for enhanced weed control.
When using inorganic mulches, it’s essential to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter beforehand to provide nutrients to the hedges. Landscape fabric should be installed properly to prevent weeds from growing through gaps or tears.
Ground Cover Plants: Living Mulch
Ground cover plants offer a living alternative to traditional mulch. They suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and add visual interest to the garden. Choosing the right ground cover is crucial for success.
Selecting the Right Ground Cover
Consider the specific needs of your hedges when selecting ground cover plants. Choose varieties that thrive in similar light and soil conditions. Also, consider the ground cover’s growth habit. Avoid aggressive spreaders that could compete with the hedges for resources.
Some popular ground cover options for hedges include creeping thyme, vinca minor (periwinkle), pachysandra, and hostas. Creeping thyme is a low-growing, fragrant option that tolerates dry conditions. Vinca minor is a shade-tolerant evergreen that provides year-round coverage. Pachysandra is another shade-loving evergreen that spreads quickly. Hostas offer a variety of leaf colors and textures and thrive in moist, shady conditions.
When planting ground cover, prepare the soil thoroughly and space the plants according to their mature size. Water regularly until they are established.
Bare Soil: A Risky Choice
Leaving the soil bare under your hedges is generally not recommended. Bare soil is susceptible to weed growth, erosion, and compaction. It also dries out quickly, stressing the hedges. However, in some specific situations, it might be a temporary solution.
For example, if you are planning to amend the soil extensively or are dealing with a specific pest or disease issue, leaving the soil bare for a short period might be necessary. In these cases, monitor the soil closely and take steps to prevent erosion and weed growth.
Matching the Covering to Your Hedge Type
The type of hedge you have should influence your choice of under-hedge covering. Acid-loving hedges like azaleas and rhododendrons benefit from acidic mulches like pine straw or shredded oak leaves. Hedges that prefer well-drained soil will benefit from mulches like gravel or pebbles that promote drainage.
Consider the mature size and growth habit of your hedges. Taller, denser hedges may create more shade, influencing which ground cover plants will thrive.
Application Techniques and Best Practices
Regardless of which under-hedge covering you choose, proper application is essential. Clear the area of weeds and debris before applying any material. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary.
Spread the covering evenly to the desired depth, avoiding piling it against the hedge’s stems. Water thoroughly after application. Monitor the area regularly and replenish the covering as needed.
When using ground cover plants, choose healthy, vigorous specimens. Plant them at the correct spacing and water them regularly until they are established. Prune them as needed to maintain their shape and prevent them from encroaching on the hedges.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning and application, problems can arise. Weed infestations, pest problems, and nutrient deficiencies are all common challenges.
Regularly inspect the area under your hedges for signs of weeds, pests, or diseases. Remove weeds promptly and treat pest infestations with appropriate controls. If your hedges are showing signs of nutrient deficiency, conduct a soil test and amend the soil accordingly.
Proper drainage is also crucial. If the area under your hedges is prone to waterlogging, improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil or installing a drainage system.
The Long-Term Benefits of Under-Hedge Care
Investing in proper under-hedge care provides long-term benefits. Healthy hedges are more resistant to pests and diseases, require less maintenance, and provide greater aesthetic value. A well-maintained under-hedge area also enhances the overall look of your garden and increases its property value.
By choosing the right under-hedge covering and following best practices, you can create a thriving and beautiful landscape that will bring you joy for years to come. Remember that the best solution is the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
What are the primary benefits of using ground cover under hedges?
Ground cover under hedges offers multiple advantages. Firstly, it acts as a natural weed suppressant, reducing the need for manual weeding or chemical herbicides, saving time and effort in garden maintenance. Additionally, it helps to retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, benefiting the hedges and promoting healthy growth, especially during drier periods.
Secondly, ground cover contributes to overall soil health by improving aeration and preventing soil compaction. Organic ground covers, such as mulch, decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. This can improve the vigor and longevity of the hedges while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden border by creating a visually cohesive and attractive landscape.
What are some suitable living ground cover options for under hedges?
Several living ground cover options thrive under hedges, offering both beauty and functionality. Creeping thyme and chamomile are excellent choices for sunny areas, providing fragrant foliage and delicate flowers that attract pollinators. These options also tend to be low-growing, preventing competition with the hedges for sunlight and nutrients.
For shadier locations, consider using options like hostas or ferns. These plants offer a lush, textured appearance and are well-adapted to growing under the canopy of hedges. Vinca minor (periwinkle) is another durable choice that spreads quickly and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making it a versatile solution for filling in gaps and suppressing weeds.
How does mulch help when placed under hedges?
Mulch provides a protective layer over the soil, significantly benefiting the health of hedges. It retains moisture, preventing the soil from drying out quickly, especially during hot weather. This consistent moisture level reduces stress on the hedge roots and promotes healthy growth. Furthermore, mulch suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil, minimizing competition for resources.
Organic mulches, such as shredded bark or wood chips, decompose gradually, enriching the soil with nutrients as they break down. This improves soil fertility and structure over time, creating a healthier root environment for the hedges. It also helps regulate soil temperature, insulating the roots from extreme heat in summer and cold in winter, further enhancing their resilience.
What types of inorganic ground cover are appropriate to use under hedges?
Inorganic ground covers offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for suppressing weeds and retaining moisture under hedges. Gravel and pebbles are popular choices, providing excellent drainage and a neat, tidy appearance. They also discourage slugs and snails, which can damage hedges. However, they don’t enrich the soil like organic options.
Another option is landscape fabric or weed barrier. This material allows water and air to penetrate the soil while preventing weed growth. While effective, it’s important to choose a high-quality fabric that is UV-resistant to prevent degradation. Over time, debris can accumulate on top of the fabric, requiring occasional cleaning to maintain its effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.
How do I prepare the area under my hedges before adding ground cover?
Proper preparation is key to ensuring the success of your ground cover. Start by removing all existing weeds and debris from the area under the hedges. This includes pulling up weeds by the roots and raking away any fallen leaves or twigs that could harbor pests or diseases. It might also be beneficial to lightly till the soil to loosen it, improving aeration and drainage.
Next, amend the soil as needed based on the specific requirements of the chosen ground cover. Adding compost or other organic matter can improve soil fertility and structure. If the soil is heavily compacted, consider incorporating amendments like perlite or sand to improve drainage. Ensure the area is level and ready to receive the chosen ground cover, providing a clean and healthy foundation for its growth.
How do I choose the right ground cover based on my hedge type?
Selecting the right ground cover involves considering the specific needs of both your hedge type and the ground cover itself. For example, if you have acid-loving hedges like azaleas or rhododendrons, choose a ground cover that also prefers acidic soil, such as pine needles or certain types of ferns. Matching soil preferences ensures both thrive in the same environment.
Additionally, consider the light requirements of both the hedge and the ground cover. If your hedges create dense shade, select shade-tolerant ground cover options like hostas or ferns. For hedges in sunny locations, drought-tolerant ground covers like creeping thyme or gravel might be more suitable. Aligning these needs ensures that neither plant competes excessively for resources like light, water, and nutrients.
What maintenance is required for ground cover under hedges?
While ground cover reduces overall garden maintenance, some care is still necessary. Regularly inspect the area for any weeds that may have sprouted and remove them promptly to prevent them from spreading. Periodically replenish organic mulches as they decompose to maintain their effectiveness in suppressing weeds and retaining moisture. This helps to keep the area looking tidy and healthy.
For living ground cover, occasional pruning or trimming may be needed to control its spread and prevent it from encroaching on the hedges. Depending on the type of ground cover, you may also need to fertilize it occasionally to promote healthy growth and flowering. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases and address them promptly to prevent damage to both the ground cover and the hedges.