hedges for privacy

Slow Growing Hedges for Easy Maintenance

Hedges provide a variety of uses and there are numerous choices for individuals that want a living no-fuss privacy fence, visual interest, or simply want flowering bushes that provide food for birds, bees and butterflies. Hedges are also handy for marking property borders and boundaries.

Technically, any group of woody plants that are planted closely together and form a barrier is considered a hedge. Individuals can choose from deciduous or evergreen plants, along with those for formal or informal usage. Slow-growing hedges typically add 12 in. or less to their height each year. Some choices include:

Boxwoods – These are perhaps one of the most popular bushes for hedges. Varieties are available that attain as little as 2 ft. in height, while others can top out at 6 ft. if left unclipped.

Mountain laurel – Well-known for blooms that run the gamut from white and pink to red, they have a mature height of 7-15 ft.

Sweetshrub – It’s ideal for individuals that want fragrant flowers and a hedge that will achieve a height of 6-9 ft. Flowers are dark red and are attractive to pollinators.

Holly – This presents multiple cultivar options that feature glossy leaves, flowers, and berries that attract birds. It typically grows from 6-10 ft. high, though there is a variety that can reach heights of up to 25 ft. tall so consumers need to be careful if purchasing for a do-it-yourself project.

Japanese plum yew – These can take up to 15 years to attain their full height of 6-10 ft. They have attractive yellow-tipped leaves that provide visual interest.

Common manzanita – This is a tough and hardy bush that can grow from 6-20 ft. in height. It’s highlighted by white or light pink pendulous flower clusters, followed by berries.

Individuals that try to create their own hedges often miscalculate and later discover they have a planting of monster bushes on their hands or a hedge that needs far more effort than they have time to invest. The best solution is to consult with a landscaping specialist that can provide advice on specific hedge plants, growth habits, and if they have the potential to be an invasive species.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

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Great Hedges for Privacy

As a Florida Landscaping Company we realize privacy is important. With the ever growing population housing is being pushed closer together now more than ever and many people are looking to hedges to obtain some privacy. Once confined to a select group of bushes, today’s property owners have a wealth of selections from which to choose, many of which flower to provide food for bees, butterflies and birds, along with shelter and resting areas for avians of all types.

A privet hedge is still the most popular, primarily due to its quick, dense growth habit. The shrub can grow up to three inches each year and provides a more formal appearance. It easily tolerates the required shearing to shape it and keep it contained to the desired appearance.

The fast-growing ficus is dense and second only to the privet as a privacy hedge. It does require a significant amount of trimming and manicuring to keep it in bounds.

For property owners that want a more tropical look, areca palms are fast growing. They have a very informal appearance and can grow up to 20 feet in height, though they typically remain smaller when used as a hedge, and don’t need trimming.

Another fast-growing bush for hedges is the cocoplum. It’s a native of Florida, can be trimmed, and is appropriate for formal or casual landscapes. It has red-tipped leaves and produces small white flowers followed by a fruit that’s popular with birds.

Surinam Cherry, also known as the Brazilian or Florida cherry, is a tall-growing shrub that can easily be kept pruned to the desired height. It produces fruit that’s attractive to birds.

Indigenous to Florida, firebush has tubular orange flowers that attract birds, butterflies, and bees, along with blackberries attractive to avians. Property owners should avoid the dwarf variety if they want a high hedge. It forms a very informal hedge and thrives best when left untrimmed.

Hedges provide privacy for humans, a sanctuary for birds, and flowering varieties are beneficial for pollinators. Depending on the species, they can be manicured for a formal look or allowed to follow their normal growth pattern for informal landscaping. Hedges help to reduce road noise, provide protection against wind, and aids in conserving energy.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Read more
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