What can Hawthorn hedging be used for?

Hawthorn hedging proves to be a versatile landscaping option, suitable for a wide range of purposes when planted. When handling a Hawthorn hedge, take care of its thorns, as they can be sharp.

Hawthorn hedging plans for your outside space may include:

•A privacy screen/ property border: Due to their dense growth and thorny nature, Hawthorn hedging provides a barrier between your space and surrounding areas. They can also help outline a property’s border.

•Security Barrier: The thorny nature of the hedge makes it hard to penetrate, deterring trespassers from attempting to intrude onto a property.

•Windbreaks: Hawthorn hedging is an effective windbreaker, helping to shield your property from potential damage against high winds.

•Aesthetic appeal: Hawthorn hedges can add to the overall appearance of your outdoor area. Their green foliage, seasonal flowers and berries can be visually pleasing and attract animals to your garden (supporting its biodiversity).

•Noise reduction: With its dense foliage, Hawthorn hedging can absorb and deflect some noise from nearby areas.

•Formal or informal landscaping: Hawthorn hedges are great in formal garden designs, thanks to their capacity to establish consistent shapes and patterns. For a natural appearance, allow your hedging to grow naturally to take on a more relaxed and informal shape.

Advantages of Hawthorn Hedging

As a result of its density and thorny interior, Hawthorn hedging has many benefits, including:

•Dense growth: Provides the perfect privacy screen and property boundary.

•Windbreaker: As a dense hedge, Hawthorn plants can protect outdoor spaces and plants from damage.

•Noise reduction: Hawthorn hedging can absorb and deflect noise from the local area.

•Supporting biodiversity: Hawthorn hedging supports the local ecosystems, attracting pollinators and providing shelter for birds and insects.

•Colourful berries and white blossoms: In the late Summer and Autumn, Hawthorn hedges make small red or orange berries. Such flowers and berries attract pollinators and birds. They also provide aesthetic appeal to gardens and outdoor areas.

•Native Habitat: Being native to numerous regions, Hawthorn hedging represents an environmentally responsible option. It provides a habitat and food for the local wildlife, including birds, insects and small mammals.

•Adaptability: Thriving in various soil types (including clay and chalk, so long as they are well drained). It also can survive in full sun to partial shade.

•Cold and Drought Tolerance: Hawthorn hedging can survive in regions with limited available water. It can endure harsh Winter conditions and cold temperatures.

•Low maintenance: After it is established in your outdoor space, Hawthorn hedges require minimal maintenance. Certain types of Hawthorn Hedging are prone to pests and diseases, so regular monitoring is typically all that is needed.

•Longevity: Hawthorn Hedges can have a long lifespan, with some types surviving several decades if well looked after.

Exploring Hawthorn Varieties

At Grasslands, we have a variety of Hawthorn Hedges available. Each hedge has distinct characteristics and your purpose will determine the type required.

Our Hawthorn Hedging Bare Root 40-60cm provides a perfect hedge for partitioning your garden. Sold in its bare-root state, without soil around its roots, this is a cost-effective option to establish hedging (especially in the late Autumn or Winter). After planting a bare-root Hawthorn hedging, it may take some time for the hedge to start growing- new growth may not appear until the following Spring. When planting, ensure that you have dug a hole wide enough to allow for the spread of the roots. Following ongoing maintenance, you will view its glossy, deeply lobed leaves and cream flowers in the Summer. Dark red berries will follow in the Autumn, attracting wildlife to enhance the biodiversity in your space. This hedge is easy to grow and can withstand towns, coastal areas and exposed gardens.

The Hawthorn Hedging 50/60cm 1.5-litre pot is a quick-growing hedge. With its cream flowers and dark berries throughout the year, it is the ideal hedge to improve a garden’s aesthetic appeal and attract wildlife.

Our Hawthorn Hedging Bare Root 125-150cm is a cost-effective choice for gardeners, available in late Autumn or Winter when the plants are dormant. This is also the ideal time for planting since the hedge can establish its root system before the growing season starts in Spring. As with any plant, regularly monitor your hedge to ensure its health and vitality.

Planting and Establishment

When looking at planting Hawthorn hedging there are several steps to take, including:

1. Where to Plant Hawthorn Hedging:

• Hawthorn Hedging thrives in well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight.
• Plan for the desired height and width of your hedging when plotting your space.

2. Prepare the Soil:

• Free your space of debris such as weeds and rocks.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches, this will enhance root penetration. Add organic compost/ well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and water retention.

3. Plant Spacing:

• Reflect on the variety of Hawthorn Hedging chosen and plan for the recommended spacing requirements. Spacing will also link to your desired hedge density.
• When planting, use twine and garden stakes to ensure a straight line for your planting area. This will guarantee that your planting is level.

4. Planting Bare-Root Hawthorns:

• When planting bare-root Hawthorns, soak the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours before planting.
• Following this, create a trench along the planting line- ensuring it is wide enough for the roots so they are not crowded or bent.
• Whilst adding each Hawthorn plant to the trench, spread out the roots, ensuring that the root collar (where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Space them as required.
• Backfill the trench with soil, gently tapping it at the base of the hedge to remove air pockets. To help your plants settle, water them regularly.

5. Planting Hawthorns in Pots:

• Remove the plants from their pots, taking care not to damage the root ball.
• Create a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball.
• Add the Hawthorn in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

6. Watering and Mulching:

• As mentioned, newly planted Hawthorns require thorough watering to settle the soil and roots.
• Mulch applied to the base of the hedge allows it to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

7. Support and Pruning Hawthorn Hedging:

• When Hawthorn Hedge plants are tall or tend to lean, staking them can provide support until established.
• Lightly prune the Hawthorn plants after planting to stimulate bushy growth. Take off any dead or damaged branches.

8. Maintenance:

• Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, to keep the soil moist.
• Fertilise as needed- use soil test results and the specific requirements of your Hawthorn variety.
• Consistently monitor your hedge for any pests and diseases. If you identify any, take appropriate measures for control if necessary.

Maintenance and Pruning Hawthorn Hedges

Hawthorn hedging will take a few years to mature. Hawthorn hedging is, typically, low maintenance (including its resistance to diseases). However, regular pruning and maintenance will help maintain their desired shape and density. When pruning, reflect on the following:

1. Timing: Late Winter or early Spring is the optimum time for regular pruning before the new growth begins. It is best to avoid heavy pruning during the late Summer or early Autumn as this can stimulate new growth that can’t harden off before Winter.

2. Tools: When pruning, use sharp clean pruning shears or hedge trimmers for a clean cut. Due to their thorny nature, wear protective clothing and eyewear.

3. Steps for Pruning Hawthorn:

• Identify brown and black branches or those with a lack of foliage as these can signify damaged or diseased branches that need to be removed.
• Trim the sides of the hedge to the desired width. The hedge needs to be slightly narrower at the top than the bottom to allow sunlight to penetrate to the lower branches.
• For a formal appearance, cut the top of the hedge in a straight level line or follow natural contours for a more relaxed appearance.
• Avoid cutting too close to the bud or leaving stubs.

Frequently asks questions

At Grasslands, our diverse selection of Hawthorn plants offers the versatility to craft formal and informal outdoor spaces. We offer complimentary delivery for every order exceeding £400. You can enjoy significant savings on premium plants across our entire website and at our nursery. With over 35 years of experience, let us support you with our knowledge and expertise. Contact 01565 722766 for any queries or to ask for advice.