ᐅ Planting a hedge in an area that was previously overgrown with shrubs

I am currently working on installing a hedge along the boundary with my neighbor’s property. We have a fairly strict requirement in the development plan that calls for planting a 2m (6.5 ft) wide hedge with a 1m (3.3 ft) gap from the boundary line. Until now, this green strip contained only rough brush, grass, and weeds. On the neighbor’s side, there is a flower bed.

I want/need to plant a privet hedge.

I have already used a motor cultivator to loosen and mix the brush about 20-30cm (8-12 inches) into the soil. Now I’m not sure if that was a wise decision and I’m considering how to treat the bare strip over the coming period so that it looks nice, stays relatively low-maintenance, and prevents weed growth.

I’m thinking of eventually planting ground cover plants in the 1m (3.3 ft) strip next to the neighbor to suppress weeds and avoid leaving a bare area. The hedge itself will not be a full 2m (6.5 ft) wide. However, some time will likely pass before I get to that stage, so I’m wondering what I should do with the soil in the meantime?

I’m not very keen on bark mulch. Would it make sense to lay some kind of landscape fabric over the bare strip initially to kill the weeds, and then plant ground cover later?

That would also be my first idea. However, it’s only temporary. In the long run, I’m leaning towards wood chips. I don’t really like bark mulch either.

On the other hand, I find wood chips quite nice. They smell fresher than bark mulch, and when aged, they can develop a nice weathered look, as long as they can dry out regularly.

I would plant the privet,
lay out a weed barrier fabric,
cut holes for the ground cover plants, and plant them.
Cover the weed barrier fabric with wood chips – it really looks better.

Any blown-in greenery can be pulled out quite quickly this way.

Do you really have to plant privet? There are so many beautiful hedges and affordable options, such as bird-friendly hedge packages.

Stefan001 schrieb:

We have a fairly strict requirement in the development plan that calls for planting a 2m (6.5 ft) wide hedge with a 1m (3.3 ft) distance from the property boundary.

Does that mean 1m (3.3 ft) from the boundary to the first branch, or 1m (3.3 ft) from the boundary to the trunk? In the latter case, there would eventually be nothing left to maintain, so I would plan it accordingly.

I’m not a fan of using plastic sheeting because it doesn’t decompose and will need to be removed eventually. Some people prefer (unprinted) cardboard instead. They lay it out on the area, cover it with mulch, and then cut holes where they want to plant.

haydee schrieb:

Do you really need to plant privet? There are many beautiful hedges and affordable options, like wildlife-friendly hedges.

Yes and no. I still have the option to choose from three other native trees (hazel and elderberry come to mind), but none of these are evergreen (or are even less evergreen). Since this area has public access, I definitely want strong privacy screening, even in winter. However, I plan to plant 3-4 of those shrubs as well for a bit more variety.

WilderSueden schrieb:

Does that mean 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the property line to the first branch, or 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the property line to the trunk? In the latter case, nothing would be left to maintain in the long run, and I would plant it that way too.

I don’t like landscaping fabric; it doesn’t decompose and will have to be removed eventually. Some people swear by laying down (unprinted) cardboard instead. You lay it out on the area, cover it with mulch, and then cut holes where you want to plant.

The entire 1 meter (3.3 feet) must remain clear.

Regarding the landscaping fabric, I definitely planned to remove it again. I thought it was a good way to eliminate weeds without using chemicals (as long as it stays in place).

No light -> no weeds. How you achieve this is not crucial for the effect.

And I don’t understand the purpose of your development plan. Why have a 1m (3 feet) strip that is difficult to maintain and practically unusable on the property...