How to Create a Privacy Hedge
- 1). Measure the perimeter where the hedge will be planted. Keep the tape measure straight, laying it flat on the ground to obtain the most accurate measurement. Write down your measurements with a paper and pencil to calculate the number of plants needed to fill the space.
- 2). Dig a hole twice the width of the container you bought the shrub in and 1/2 the height, using a shovel. Loosen the plant from the container and soften the root ball with your hands. Set in the plant and cover it with soil. For hedges that require spacing of 5 feet, for example, place the holes 5 feet apart from each other and any buildings near the hedge line.
- 3). Trim the tops of the shrubs with hedging shears to create a uniform, traditional look that may be boxed or round. Evergreen shrubs like boxwood and arborvitae look best with this method of hedging. You may also prune out broken or damaged branches, but leave the overall shape to its natural design. This works best on flowering bushes like azaleas, hydrangeas and roses.
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