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Mixed native hedge, what type of mulch?

#1 · 8th April 2025, 2:19 pm

I have a 60 m stretch of mixed native hedging that looking very sick and gappy. I have removed all weeds and ivy that was competing for nutrients, and now I need to feed it to (hopefully) revive it. With such a large expanse, cost is an issue. Would a bulk bag of farmyard manure be the thing to use? Horse manure is more expensive and liquid feed is probably not practical for this length. Any suggestions welcome

#2 · 14th April 2025, 10:57 am

Hi @pilotbabe

Thanks for your question about whether to feed hedges or not with plant food. To be honest, I've never ever fed a hedge that I've planned, and I've planned hundreds. They usually don't need it, especially when planted as bare roots or small plants. New hedges need heavy pruning and water, that is it!

I think the question I would ask if it's looking gappy and sickly is have you pruned it hard since it was planted? I.e taken off at least a third every year for the first 3 years? If not, I'd do this first to thicken it up and concentrate its resources.

I'd then check how far apart they are. For a mixed native hedge to 'mesh together', you really don't want gaps bigger than 30cm between the plants.

Whilst well rotten manure would help open the soil I don't think its the best fix, sure it would be a bonus for the hedge but the pruning is the key to forming thick healthy hedges.