Hedge Laying, Traditional Hedges, Hedge Cutting, Hedge Maintenance, Hedge Planting

Before Hedge Laying

What is Hedge Laying?

Hedge laying is one of the oldest methods know for creating an animal (and man) proof barrier, keeping valuable stock in and pests out of any given area.

Hedge laying declined after the 1939 -1945 war due to many factors such as the availability of labour, the introduction of machines to cut hedges, wire fences and changes in agriculture that placed emphasis on production.

By the 1960′s hedges were declining at an alarming rate. Lack of maintenance meant that hedges became tall and unmanageable offering little protection of crops and gardens from animals.

Another major factor in the decline of hedges was the increase in mechanised large scale farming operations. Many hedges were grubbed out to make larger fields that could be more efficiently managed by larger machinery.

Legislation was introduced in 1997 to protect hedgerows. The decline has now been halted and many miles of hedgerow are being restored under farm environment schemes. Maintenance of hedgerows is now part of good farming practice and the skills of the hedge layer are in great demand once more.

After Hedge Laying

Graham Chapple owns and runs Rapid Pest Control Services has trained in many aspects of tree and hedge care over the years, with special interests in reviving the ancient skills of hedge laying and the pruning of fruit trees.

Graham has been trained by, and worked alongside, one of the top hedge laying experts in the South of England. He is skilled in all aspects of hedge laying including root laying, a technique used in older hedges where “cutting” the main stem would not provide the desired effect on the hedge or would risk killing the hedge.

Over the last few years, Rapid Pest Control has taken on some fairly ambitious projects – hedges that look impossible to do – and successfully turned them into strong, well layed hedges, saving them from being grubbed out and replaced by post and rail fencing.

One example of Rapid Pest Control’s work is shown below. This hedge was in a terrible state and has been cut by tractor for many years. The landowner wanted to make a feature of the boundary hedge and to keep out pests such as deer – they do not attempt to jump or cross hedges that have been properly layed – and so hedge laying was used to turn the old hedge into a feature.

If you think you have a hedge you want layed, why not call Rapid Pest Control Services now for a quotation on Newbury 01635 247192 – It works out cheaper than you think.

Hedge Maintenance

A well laid hedge will offer many years of low maintenance protection to the landowner. Hedges that have been laid grow very thick and impenetrable and offer wildlife a place to live and prosper as well as giving you a feature in your garden to be proud of.

Maintenance consists of an annual trimming with a sickle and “tucking in” of new growth into the binders, making the base of the hedge stronger every year.

Rapid Pest Control also provide hedge cutting services and maintenance including replanting for tired and old hedges.

Why not email us or call now on Newbury 01635 247192 for a quote on hedge maintenance, hedge cutting or hedge planting.