Popular Hedge Plants for General Use 
By M. Free, New York 
A HEALTHY, well-grown hedge when formed of the 
right material and occupying the proper position 
in the garden is extremely attractive and beautiful. 
Hedges, of course, are sometimes planted for other rea- 
sons than that of ornament. Their primary object may be— 
to act as windbreaks, screens to ensure privacy, to mark 
boundary lines, or for defensive purposes. It is with the 
object of calling attention to some of the more desirable 
plants, and indicating briefly the methods to follow in 
order to obtain a good ornamental hedge, that this leaflet 
is written. 
There are many points to be considered when selecting 
plant, and so on to the end of the line. It is essential 
that the soil around the roots be thoroughly firmed by 
ramming, or by treading. 
The depth to plant is dependent upon the character of 
the plants used. Privet may be planted three inches 
deeper than the plants were when in the nursery, but in 
the majority of cases, especially in the case of evergreens, 
they should not be placed deeper than the soil line which 
marks the depth to which they were planted in the 
nursery. 
No hard and fast rule can be laid down as to the dis- 
tance to be allowed between the plants. Privet is gen- 
erally planted one foot apart, the Japanese Barberry nine 
inches to one foot, and evergreens one foot to four feet, 
according to size. 
The time of planting is dependent upon whether ever- 
green or deciduous plants are to be used. Evergreens 
may be planted in August or September, also in May and 
June. Planting of deciduous kinds may commence at 
the end of September and continue until the ground be- 
American Arborvitae, a Popular Evergreen Hedge. 
subjects for use as hedges. The plants must be hardy, 
not subject to insect or fungous pests, they must be natu- 
rally of symmetrical form or of such a character that they 
may be brought into the desired shape by pruning or 
shearing ; and, further, they must be plants that are easily 
propagated or the price will be prohibitive. 
If the soil is naturally good very little preparation is 
needed before planting, beyond digging in, or plowing in, 
a dressing of manure, but if the soil is poor it is advisable 
to make a trench two feet wide and deep and fill it in with 
good soil. If this cannot be done the next best thing is 
to break up the ground to the depth mentioned and in- 
corporate a liberal quantity of well decayed manure. If 
possible the ground should be prepared some months be- 
fore planting so that it has time to settle. If this is im- 
practicable the soil should be firmed by treading. 
When planting, a line should be stretched along the 
space to be planted to ensure perfect alignment of the 
hedge. A start should be made at one end, taking out 
sufficient soil with a spade to make a hole which will 
accommodate the roots of the plant without crowding. 
The soil for filling around the roots of the first plant can 
be taken from the space to be occupied by the second 
Berberis Thiinbergi Makes a Splendid Hedge. 
comes frozen. Spring planting may commence as soon 
as the soil is in a workable condition and continue until 
growth commences. 
Immediately after planting, most deciduous kinds 
should be pruned back severely in order to promote the 
formation of a bushy hedge with foliage down to the 
ground. It is a mistake to allow a hedge to increase in 
height too rapidly, as this tends to prevent it acquiring 
the solidity and bushiness that are desirable. 
The amount of shearing required depends largely upon 
the taste of the individual. Many of the plants mentioned 
in the following list need little or no shearing, while, on 
the other hand, orivet may have a weekly clipping if a 
very trim hedge is desired. It is usual, however, to 
shear privet about three times during the year. 
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