Choosing Plants for a Hedge

Keep these points in mind when choosing plants for a hedge.

Published Aug 16, 2010 8:53 PM PDT

Tips for choosing hedging plants:

Any shrub that has dense, branched growth and short internodes (the length of stem between the leaves) should be suitable for a hedge.
Ideally, select an evergreen, or choose a deciduous shrub with enough twiggy growth to maintain the structure when its leaves have fallen for the winter.
A shrub that responds to pruning by producing new side shoots from young or old wood is usually a good choice.
Choose a shrub that retains good leaf cover to ground level and does not get leggy with age.
Do not skimp on cost. A hedge is a long-term investment, and it is much better to get it right than compromise on cost.
Plant the best stock you can find. Healthy, vigorous plants will give you the effect you are looking for more quickly.
Bigger is not always better. Large plants may take longer to establish themselves in the soil and resume top growth.