Making a hedge ( Shrubs )

(Question)

Hi there,
I have a question regarding making hedge in my front yard.
Can I make my hedge as per the attached picture? ( Shrubs ) Appreciate
if you could share your experience.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with your question concerning putting in a hedge.

From your photo a hedge would be ideal to create privacy ( depending on the height) and to define your front yard space. There are a number of factors to consider before planting your hedge.

The first is to choose plants suitable to the growing conditions of your site. What is the texture of your soil: is it primarily clay, sand, loam or silt ? What is the pH of your soil (acid or alkaline)?

 The moisture of your garden soil will also be a consideration: some shrubs will thrive in dry conditions and others will like consistent moisture. Sandy soils will drain quickly while clay soils hold onto water in the root zone and may become waterlogged. For more information on soil, see Soil Fertility: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide. 

One of the main considerations before choosing any plant is the amount of sunlight available. Does your planting location receive  full sun – plants require at least 6 hours of direct, late-morning/afternoon sun. Partial shade – plants need 4 to 6 hours of morning or afternoon sun, but should be shaded from the hot, midday sun. Full Shade – plants can tolerate less than 4 hours of sun, preferably in the morning. A bright location that receives no direct sun would be classified as full shade.

Another factor to consider is the mature size of the plants you choose. How tall would you like your hedge? Would you like year round privacy/interest, then an evergreen hedge would be a perfect choice. See our Gardening Guide on Evergreens Suitable for Hedging How much work are you willing to do when it comes to regular maintenance & pruning?

We have numerous archived posts on the use of shrubs for hedging simply type Privacy Hedges in our Find It Here  box located on the right side of the page. The following archived posts have numerous suggestions for both deciduous and evergreens suitable of hedging.

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/request-for-hedge-recommendations/

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/mixed-hedge-privacy-screen/

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/flower-shrubs-hedges-in-front-yard/

You may also wish to consider using native shrubs to create your hedge. Our Garden Guide on Gardening with Native Shrubs give some excellent examples of possible hedging shrubs for your consideration.

For tips on successful planting, see Planting a Tree for Life: A Toronto MasterGardeners Guide

Happy Planting

May 2, 2022