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Why you should consider adding a hedge to your property

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Hedges enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property by adding natural beauty, structure and charm

Incorporating a hedge to your property means planting a row of shrubs or small trees close together to create a natural boundary, scenery or decorative feature. These hedges are usually pruned and maintained to form a continuous dense line of greenery that serves various functional and aesthetic purposes.

Adding a hedge is a step-by-step process that involves choosing the right plants such as shrubs or trees to suit your climate, soil type and the purpose of the hedge, planning the layout to decide on the location of the hedge, height or shape and also planting and ensuring maintenance by preparing the soil, spacing the plants properly, regularly trimming and watering to keep the hedge healthy and attractive.

As a landscaping choice, hedges offer numerous benefits. They transform your property by introducing greenery, structure and functionality, making it a versatile landscaping element. There are a variety of hedge species to choose from. However, Bylon Mubiru, a landscaper, says the most important thing to consider when adding a hedge to your yard is the purpose of the hedge.

Mubiru says understanding why you want a hedge will guide all other decisions such as the type of plants, height, placement and maintenance requirements needed. He says, “Defining the purpose of the hedge helps you ensure it meets your needs effectively and fits well into your yard’s overall design.” Therefore, here are reasons as to why you should consider adding a hedge to your yard:

Aesthetics appeal

Hedges enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property by adding natural beauty, structure and charm. They offer versatility in landscaping, allowing homeowners to create a visually pleasing environment.

Hedges provide a clear framework for outdoor spaces, defining boundaries, walkways, or garden sections. Their clean lines and shapes create a sense of order and balance in the landscape adding visual interest and structure to your yard. This is because hedges can be shaped and styled to match any design preference. For instance, formal hedges with sharp, symmetrical trims offers a sophisticated look, while informal bushy hedges evoke a natural rustic vibe.

Additionally, while some flowering hedge plants tend to blossom in vibrant colours and add seasonal interest to the atmosphere, others such as lavender, jasmine or camellia not only look beautiful but also add delightful fragrances to the property, something that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.

Mubiru recommends considering colourful hedges such as lavender or camellia if beauty is the focus. He, however, notes that a well-maintained hedge elevates the overall appearance of a property, blending functionality with visual appeal.

Privacy and security

Privacy means creating a secluded area where homeowners can relax, entertain or enjoy nature without feeling exposed to neighbours or passers-by. The hedges thus act as both a natural barrier for creating a sense of privacy and a deterrent to intruders, especially if you choose thorny varieties like hawthorn or holly.

For instance, while thick, dense hedges shield your property from prying eyes and create a cosy and enclosed outdoor space, a dense evergreen hedge blocks the view from nearby properties, offering year-round coverage while blending seamlessly with the landscape. Privacy thus fosters a sense of security and helps people feel at ease in their surroundings.

However, when designing for privacy it is important for home owners to maintain the balance between complementing personal needs and the environment. Mubiru notes that an overly isolating measures might feel restrictive, while inadequate ones may not serve their purpose. He adds that if your goal is privacy, it is important to choose tall dense evergreen plants.

Windbreak and noise reduction

While windbreaks are especially valuable in open spaces or areas prone to gusty weather especially hilly areas, in landscaping, hedges are a commonly used measure as they act as natural windbreaks because they are key in slowing down strong winds, shielding plants, outdoor furniture and other structures from wind damage. For instance, dense evergreen species like cedar and spruce are ideal for year-round wind protection as they create a calmer outdoor environment for relaxation or enjoying activities.

Additionally, hedges also act as sound barriers absorbing noise from traffic and loud neighbors. This is especially with dense multi-layered hedges that have broad leaves, thick branches and varying heights typical for reducing noise pollution effectively while making your yard more peaceful and enjoyable.

According to Joseline Nankabirwa, a seasoned landscape designer, she tips homeowners whose main focus is noise-reduction, to ensure they combine plants with different textures and heights to be able to add a visual appeal to their homes while satisfying the desired needs from incorporating hedges to their yards.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

With an increase in awareness about incorporation of sustainability and energy efficiency features in homes, many homeowners are considering adding hedges to their yards. Nankabirwa highlights the importance of hedge as she says, “Planting hedges not only enhances your yards but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable home environment.”

This is because hedges absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, a process that helps improving air quality. Hedges also trap dust, pollutants and particulate matter from the air, contributing to cleaner and healthier surroundings that altogether improves their livelihoods of occupants.

Similarly, strategically planting hedges in your yard is key in improving your home’s energy efficiency. While during the cold seasons, hedges tend to block wind from reaching your home, this reduces the need for cooling and heating systems. And as hedges lose water through transpiration, they release moisture into the air, thus cooling the environment. This natural process helps moderate temperatures and makes the outdoor space more comfortable without relying on mechanical cooling systems.

In warmer months, broadleaf hedges provide shade for your home by blocking direct sunlight reducing heat absorption by the walls and windows, keeping the interior cooler and decreasing the need for air conditioning.

Low maintenance and longevity

Hedges are often a reliable, long-term investment that requires minimal upkeep and provide long-lasting benefits if properly chosen and cared for. They are a practical choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and convenience.

For instance, once established, hedges generally require less care compared to other landscaping elements. The key maintenance tasks for hedges include occasional trimming, watering, applying fertilisers, and pest and disease control strategies.

Mubiru recommends hedge species with a long lifespan as this is a vital strategy that helps in reducing the need for constant replanting, and even contributes to a more sustainable garden while reducing waste. Popular hedge plants include Eugenia, cypress, hibiscus, bougainvillea, privet, cactus, lantana camara, weeping fig, croton, calliandra. Other hedges that are gaining popularity due to their adaptability, aesthetics and eco-friendly properties are Murraya, boxwood, elephant bush, silver sheen, dwarf yew and others.