Hi! We have a small backyard lined on the east side by a 6 ft fence, and shaded by a honey locust tree. We’d like to create a cedar hedge to cover the fence and provide winter interest, but I’m worried the hedge may not do well under the locust, and with only a very little bit of direct sun in late afternoon. We’d like the hedge to grow to the height of the fence, roughly.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.
Planting a hedge under a Honey Locust tree: Gleditsia triacanthos should allow enough sunlight for a cedar hedge to survive. The Gleditsia leaves allow sunlight to filter through and may provide the partial sun/partial shade required for a cedar hedge. Full sun: at least 6 hours of light a day. Partial sun/partial shade: 4-6 hours of sun a day, preferably morning sun. Full shade: Limited sun exposure. You may want to consider an edge of Yew (Taxus spp.) T. media ‘Densiformis’, height 2 m. A slow growing compact cultivar ideal for low hedge that tolerates shade as per our website. Our website also includes information on other evergreen edges including Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar): Our website provides information on planting and pruning evergreen hedges for maximum light and longevity. Evergreen Hedge. Growing a hedge under the shade of a tree will slow the growth of any hedges.
When planting near or under a tree you will need to make sure not to damage the tree roots. The hedge being close to a tree will also require more watering than normal as both the tree and hedge will be absorbing the water. Until the new edge is established watering regularly especially in the first year and hot summer days. Using a mulch will assist in retaining moisture around the roots and keep the temperature cooler in summer. Evergreen shrubs do not go dormant in the winter months. Watering until the ground freezes or till late October, will aid in keeping the hedge from drying out in the winter months.
Penn State Extension provides detailed information on how to prepare the soil before planting shrubs, how to plant/buy various types of shrubs, container grown, bare root, burlap etc. Planting Ornamentals