Open Association of Landscape Industries
Evergreen hedges and struggling plants close by
Hi
I've found in my own garden that a couple of small trees planted close to a privet hedge are rather slow growing and not doing as well as I'd expect. Now realising that privet are very hungry and probably deprive plants close by of water and nutrition in the soil.
I've also heard some people say that Yew hedges 'kill' plants close by. I'm not sure if this is for the same reason above but I know that a chemical in Taxus is used for cancer drugs. A landscaper I know used to trim them alot and gave up when he said there were side effects. I'm not sure if a chemical in the plant would effect plants closeby though.
I'm about to take on a significant planting design project and there are very tall mature yew hedges behind only 1-2 foot away. I will have the soil tested. Should I be concerned about the success of some plants? Comments welcome.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nick Steele on -
Any sort of hedge - evergreen or deciduous - is going to win the battle for moisture and nutrients with new planting nearby. There's a list of plants which might work here :
Are you planning to plant as close as 2 feet from ther hedge? That'll be a really tough environment - and how are you going to get access to trim the hedge?
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Permalink Reply by Melissa Morton on -
Hi Nick
Thanks for the response. There is an existing grass strip between the hedge and the border - about 1.5 foot wide. This might need widening.
Thanks for the link. Will take a look. Melissa
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