Hey everyone! I'm tackling a project in my garden where I want to remove a large Leylandii hedge and put up some nice post and rail fencing instead. I'm hoping to get help from a local farmer with a tractor, but I could really use some advice on a few things: 1) How can I effectively deal with the roots that will remain after removal? I want to ensure I can put up the new fence without issues. 2) What's the best way to improve the soil for planting shrubs? It might need a lot of work, so I'm looking for an efficient and cost-effective method. 3) If the farmer can't help out, what are my alternative options for dealing with the hedge removal myself? 4) Lastly, do you think hiring a wood chipper for the leftover branches and debris is worth it? Thanks for any insights!
5 Answers
Leylandii that’s shredded makes fantastic compost since it’s a good mix of green and brown material! If you choose to do wood chips, just be aware that it can be pricey to buy it elsewhere.
Make sure to plan for all the debris first! We generated a huge amount just from one big conifer. Conifers aren’t the best for fires but can be used decoratively in garden paths. I left the stumps due to the costs and just buried them under soil to rot. It's been 3 years, and some parts are soft enough to pull out now. Letting light and rain in really helps other plants recover, too!
I had a tall Leylandii hedge taken down and left the stumps in the ground. I painted something on them to kill the roots, and now they’re composting nicely. I built tall narrow raised beds along the stump line, using some sawdust left over to reduce compost cost. I used the wood chipper provided by my tree surgeon for the cuttings—trust me, there was a lot! After it's done, you can create a beautiful garden with plants instead of having that oppressive hedge!
If you cut the Leylandii down to the ground, it won't regrow. So plan your fence posts to avoid the roots if possible. Just a heads-up: the debris you’ll end up with will be massive! If you can, burning it could be a quick option, but be cautious about local regulations.
You can definitely burn it once it's dried for a year or two—just a bit of effort, but it burns pretty well!
Don't forget about wildlife when replacing your hedge with a fence! It’s good to think about how the new setup will affect creatures like mice and hedgehogs. You might want to consider planting a different type of hedge that could offer them better protection.
Exactly! Even small changes can impact the local ecosystem. Just something to keep in mind!
Wood chips can benefit your soil immensely as they break down. It's definitely worth considering those for soil improvement!