Hi Sven,

I would like some advice on hedges. I'm looking for something that is fast growing and easy to keep to a reasonable height!

Thanks

Our Gardens Expert replies:

Hello,

Fast growing conifer hedges have become a scar on the British landscape and a cause of many an argument between neighbours. The main cause of this is Leylandii. In my opinion, they should be banned purely for the fact they grow so quickly and leach all the goodness from the soil. There are much better alternatives available.

Leylandii is a bestseller for most hedging companies because it forms screens faster than any other evergreen hedge. Yes it can be kept in control and it is hardy and wind-tolerant but it can grow up to a metre per year and if left unclipped will eventually form a 100ft tree!

Similar in appearance to Leylandii is Thuja plicata (western red cedar), but it is a little slower growing (say 75 cm per year). It has olive green leaves that in autumn can turn a pleasant bronze colour. It also has the added bonus that if you cut it back hard into the old wood it will actually re- shoot. Again it is really hardy and will tolerate most free-draining soils, but will also grow pretty big if left untouched, up to around 60-70ft.