Hey everyone! I'm dealing with an ongoing issue where my deciduous hedge has been seriously damaged because folks keep cutting through the area during winter. There's now a pretty big gap and a worn-down path on either side. I've tried various things to stop this, but nothing has worked and unfortunately, I can't put up a fence either due to local rules. I'm planning to plant some bare root whips of blackthorn, hawthorn, and elder this winter in the 1-meter gap, but I'm worried that they might get trampled or have any protection I set up taken away. I'm considering planting them more closely together so that at least one survives. Any advice on how to give these little guys a fighting chance? I hope once they grow, the thorns will deter people. Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, if you can't put up a temporary barrier to stop people from walking through, those whips might not survive long. Maybe consider investing in larger plants instead? They could be more resilient against foot traffic.
It's not going to be instant, but if some of the hawthorn and blackthorn make it, they’ll start spreading their thorny branches over time. In 2 or 3 years, you could think about 'laying' the hedge to create a stronger barrier.
Wow, hedge laying looks amazing! I’ll definitely consider it in a few years. Also, planting some whips among the existing hedge sounds like a smart move. That way, if the new ones struggle, maybe the ones in the hedge can pick up the slack.
Are you allowed to stake the new plants even if you can't fence? You were thinking of planting them about 9 inches apart, right? Just make sure to keep them hydrated as well, even if that area gets muddy!
I'd also water them often even though the path might get wet and muddy...
Good advice! Keeping them watered will definitely help!
Shame, I might have to stump up for plants in the spring if the whips don’t take…