Hedge planting guide update: revealed 3 years on

[@lisahutchens8062]

My goodness, Lee and Barry. Y'all sure live in a beautiful part of the world. I always enjoy your videos.

[@Gardenninja]

🥷🥰🐶🌿🙌

[@Roatanlova68fmp71lliiiak]

That looks so good, hedges are so under rated!

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Hanne. Arnt they just! I love a good hedge and would pick them every day vs fence panels even in small gardens. Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿

[@STEPHEN-ht3je]

Thank you for your advice on ‘nicking’ below the last branch. Never heard of that before. Brilliant

[@Gardenninja]

You’re welcome mate! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿👌

[@wg5509]

You can never have enough hedging. It looks great. Thanks for the update.

[@Gardenninja]

The local wildlife love it!! I see hares, birds, insects and even a barn own using it! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🌲

[@wallendegen1]

Wow thanks for updating us!

[@Gardenninja]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching! Happy gardening. Lee🥷🌿

[@onemanfran]

Our neighbours just removed an established privet hedge and replaced with a 2m fence. Environmental vandalism if you ask me. 2 days later it blew over in storm eunice.

[@Gardenninja]

Oh no! How sad. I hate seeing hedges go for fences. Such a brutal barrier when there’s a green alternative. Thanks for commenting! 🥷🌿🙌

[@marylynnhaynes7558]

Amazing what 3 years will do. Sleep, creep then leap❤️

[@Gardenninja]

🥰 Indeed! Nice phrasing! Happy growing. Lee 🥷🌿

[@alisonburgess345]

Couldn't agree more - hedges are incredibly valuable. i'm about to put in yet another one at my place to serve mainly as a windbreak but i know it will provide nectar, cover, shelter etc etc for wildlife. Very good video - excellent explainer!

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Flowergrower. I’m always trying to sneak hedges into my designs to help new clients encourage wild life! Glad you’re enjoying my content. Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿

[@ankabubanj5483]

Very helpful information because I have been planing a hedge laying... Thank you for sharing your expert knowhow... Hope to hear from you more often...

[@Gardenninja]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad it’s helpful. Make sure you subscribe to get all of my latest guides. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿

[@kathrynburkhill7028]

I see Barry’s coat has been pruned 😂. I am so jealous of your evergreen hedge, it looks fabulous. I would love to chop down our cumbersome conifer trees but would a hedge grow in the same area? I need to pick your brains. Your hedge by your moon gate has really opened up that part of your garden, it also looks great. A lovely spring video. Mum 🥰

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Mum! Once they’re out and if you dig in some decent organic matter then use. It’s a lot of work but conifer hedges often end up in small gardens as dry moisture sinks. They take up so much space! Glad you like the moongate. It looks lovely now! Xx

[@mundomagico7787]

Great to see the hedges revived. Your mum has mentioned something of interest to me here! Hi Mum 👋 😝 Our new house has a long row of badly maintained leylandii. I naively put some veg beds next to it in our south facing garden… with no rain and not enough time to water my no dig beds have been a desert disaster! If we took out the leylandii there are still our neighbours leylandii near by - so would a spikey hedge of some kind (for security) of some sort still grow ok in its place? I’d definitely invest in a deep hose - I have some left over drip hose, would that be ok? Love you channel, you are such a good teacher!

[@thomastraynor9299]

I really need to put in a hedge now! I have a neighbour who has an eyesore of a fence from my garden. Great video.

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Thomas! I’m glad the guides helpful. It will certainly screen off an unattractive garden fence! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿🙌

[@PoshPennies]

beautiful hedge and such a satisfying before and after!!! well done. thank you very much for the info about watering, really helpful as i'm about to plant my laurel hedge! xo

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Posh Pennies. I’m super chuffed with it. All year greenery and the birds love it!! Good luck planting and maybe wait until this weather settles down a bit!! 🥷🌿🙌

[@JohnMiller-oz7gv]

Well made video. Good production.

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks John! I’m glad you’re enjoying my gardening content! Lee 🥷🌿👌

[@hd2000]

I love being able to offer a home to wildlife. I often spot hedgehogs using our established front garden for cover.

[@Gardenninja]

It’s such a win win isn’t it Helen! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿 Lee

[@andyjwillz2486]

you always seem to share the same topic that I'm thinking about, my neighbours fence is ruined, and today I went to look at young Griselinia hedging plants to put in its place. I thought I will go on youtube and see what it looks like .... the first video that I see is you! lol, defiantly getting them tomorrow thanks lee :) 👍👍👍

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Andy! Hahaha someone the other day sent me some weird DM saying I was in their nightmares so could I stop publishing guides. Hahaha. But glad our hedges have synchronised mate! Happy hedge planting! Lee 🥷🌿

[@andyjwillz2486]

@@Gardenninja hahaha thnx, that is a weird dm 😂 Have a great day !

[@Gardenninja]

😂 Thats nothing I actually get quite a bit of trolling now online. Wont stop me though!! Mohawk is set to full stun!!! 😜🥷🌿

[@andyjwillz2486]

@@Gardenninja brilliant never change! 👍

[@user-ry7wf4hi9w]

Hi great video im growing Cherry Laurel 30/40cm because a fence would be to expensive and my neighbour likes throwing rubbish and walking through my side of the front part of my garden, so fingers crossed that the hedge grows as this is the first time I've planted anything but I got to wait til July 2023 to see if its growing according to Google.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Ki. Great to hear you’ve chosen a hedge over a fence. Far better for wildlife. It’s a pain when neighbours are disrespectful. Cherry Laurel is a rapid grower so make sure you give it a good 1/3 off prune each year for the first few years. I would ignore Google. It will have already no doubt sent up lots of new growth! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🤘

[@AB-up8dh]

@@Gardenninja laurel will

[@AB-up8dh]

Laurel will grow like crazy about may 15th

[@Gardenninja]

That’s very specific! It always depends on weather, soil type, plant health. Like I said they are fast growing but they don’t wait until a set date before they start to put on growth. As soon as spring arrives things ramp up. Winter everything slows down for dormancy but roots still spread and develop. So nothing ever fully switches off. Happy gardening! 🥷🌿🤘

[@AndrewKNI]

Great job Lee. Many years ago I planted Castlewellan Gold fir trees and topped them at 6 feet. Now I have a very full 'hedge' which the birds love. Two trims a year and looks good all year round. :-)

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Andrew, Great idea with topping the hedge. Most people make the mistake with conifers of hard pruning and they don’t regenerate from old wood as you’ll know. But little and often snips work well! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿 Lee

[@stampinghippo7157]

Man, that´s not fair! I remember that, after watching your hedge planting video, I went on a hunt for this new to me Grisellina. And every gardencenter and even the online hedge suppliers told me that this plant is not hardy in our Zone 8a. Your hedge looks fab and has grown so much in only three years. Hubby and I butchered our yew hedge last year in February, all neighbours thought we killed the hedge. Now it stands in its old glory and has since grown over 30 cm. Yew it is. Sharp sciccors, cold heart. Take care, Hanni.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Hanni. Great to hear from you. Glad to hear you’ve managed to take the plunge with yew. It’s a great tree/shrub/hedge and does regenerate well like you say!! Welcome to the cold hearted plant cutter club! 😂😂😂🥷🌿 Happy gardening. Lee

[@mmckgpio]

Hi Lee, I really enjoy your videos, they are so informative. Thank you so much for all your videos and tips. Happy gardening

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Marguerite! I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🤘

[@mmckgpio]

May I ask, how long does it take Euonymus japonica hedges to get established? I planted about 70 in 2021. Thanks Lee

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Marquerite. They’re not the fastest shrubs usually clocking in 10cm a year. It depends on how big the pot sizes where or bare roots when planted. I would be too harsh with their pruning maybe taking off 1/4 rather than 1/3 twice a year until they thicken. Ie early spring and then in autumn. Happy hedging! Lee 🥷🌿🤘

[@mmckgpio]

@@Gardenninja Thank you Lee

[@mattjohnsonmusic]

I just planted a new cherry Laurel hedge, they were potted approx 40cm. This is their first season. Planted last day of March. Should I take 5cm off the top this year at some point? I get mixed opinions. I want the hedge to be around 8ft and really thick especially at the bottom. Love your channel so I think I would trust your opinion

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Matt. Great to hear from you. Yes I’d definitely cut 5cm off not. Or back to the next set of healthy laterals (side shoots) that way it focuses energy on further laterals rather than just top growth. Hence the bushing out you need. Each year cut off 1/4 for the first few years whilst this establishes. It’s so fast growing it’ll bounce back really quickly. Hope that helps. Happy pruning. Lee 🥷🌿👍

[@mattjohnsonmusic]

@@Gardenninja thanks Lee. I presume June is a good time for this? As the plant will have July and August to bounce back with new growth before the cold kicks in. Do u have a donation button?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Matt. Yes June is fine for this. There shouldn’t be any birds nesting at that height. I don’t have a donate button b luf always appreciate a Google review. It helps new clients and new gardeners find me online! g.page/gardenninja/review?gm Happy to help! Lee 🥷🌿👍

[@annashiegl]

Love your videos, very useful. I'm planting a Hawthorn and Hazel hedge just now. I have a low brick wall around the garden and wanted something for privacy, barrier and wildlife. I hope they grow. ☺

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Anna! I’m glad my gardening guides are helpful. Your hedge sounds fab. A mixed hedge is always so much better for wildlife. And hawthorns great at adding burglar proof security too! 🥷🤘🌿

[@pineconedefense1280]

Love the update, looks amazing!

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Pinecone! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿

[@fionacampbell7002]

Great to see progress of newly planted hedge over 3 years and also benefit of hard pruning. We have mixed native hedge that got decimated by rabbits in the snowy weather back in February. Much of it has been ringed 4-5 feet high as the snow was high enough for them simply to walk across the top of the rylock fencing. When the snow melted, the little blighters were stranded in the rabbit fencing and managed to cause further damage. Wondering if a brutal pruning session might revive some of it!!

[@Gardenninja]

Oh no!! They’re buggers aren’t they at ring barking. When they nibble around the stem potentially killing the tree as it stops water and food uptake. 🐇 if you can hard prune beneath the ring barked bits that should help if not it’s about deterring the rabbits or using stem guards. Hope that helps! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿

[@liveblossom]

Do watch our video it suggests best fertilizer which you can give to any plant Click below!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZjLoZ-Omqadg80

[@Allisillusion-z3f]

That's awesome! I planted 20 tea olives around front yard, 3 years ago. They've not grown much at all. I think it's the wrong placement with too much shade in 1 area of them, plus I've never fertilized or mulched, except I piled up leaves around the ones not growing a couple months ago. You have a gorgeous estate!

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Laura. Thanks for your comment. The issue is that Tea Olives are super slow growing. Gorgeous but slow. They shouldn’t need fertilising really if your soils ok. What’s best is a peat free mulch this spring around the base. That will keep water in and slowly feed them. Thanks for your kind words about my garden! Make sure you visit www.gardenninja.co.uk/ for hundreds more free gardening guides! Happy gardening. Lee 🤘🥷🌿

[@Allisillusion-z3f]

@@Gardenninja thanks much for your reply and tip, I'll check it out, and I'll be looking 4 your new vids, you're welcome!

[@thecakepopsistars]

Lovely!

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks! 🥷🌿

[@aceofspades5786]

Planted 230m of griselina in plymouth feb 2021 @ about 60-70 cm, now most is 140-150cm, in just two years, interesting that those planted under tree canopy have grown the most, i guess the nutrients from the sycamore and yew roots/soil conditions helps?

[@Gardenninja]

Hey Ace of spades! Great news that your hedge is off with a bang. You know what it probably is. Mycorrhizal fungi from the tree roots passing nutrients to them. Google mycorrhizal fungi to get lost in a world of amazingness!! 🥷🌿🤘

[@SinkyYT]

Superb!

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks! 🥷🌿

[@royfranc]

Could you advise us maybe in a video. My young hedge is 4 month old, i planted according to your video. How do i get them to bunch up and fill the gaps between plants. I too planted a Griselinia. When if ever should i take the tops off. Thankyou. Waiting till you get your own show.

[@Gardenninja]

Thanks Roy for the kind words about my presenting and work! 🥷🤘🌿 To get Griselinia to bunch and fill out you need to cut off the top 25% before winter. Then next spring they’ll fill out. So get that done asap! All the best. Lee 🥷🤘🌿

[@royfranc]

Thankyou, will that impede the 5ft high hedge I am aiming for?

[@3rdorderaudio787]

Do you have any thoughts about planting hedges next to fences or garden walls? Will it damage fences or walls? And what if you don't have access to trim the other side of a waist height fence? Thank you.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi. Yes. Most hedges won’t damage a wall. With a fence it depends on the condition of the fence panels. As a rule Of thumb leave at least 30cm between any wall and fence. Hope that helps! You can read more here www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-lay-a-hedge/ 🌿🥷🤘

[@francismaloney8775]

Thank you 👏💯🇮🇪

[@Gardenninja]

You’re welcome! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿🤘 Lee

[@danielwalker5682]

Great videos. I watched your planting video, and wondered how the hedge had fared. Then I found this! Nice one. I am about to remove a ~30ft length of massively overgrown leylandii hedge. My only hesitation is that I know it supports quite a lot of birds and their nests. I am reluctant to replace it with a fence. I am thinking of a mixed hedge of some kind. Anyway, thanks for sharing your tips.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Dan. Thanks for commenting!!! You’re right with the wildlife aspect and noise. Fences can be super noisy in high winds vs a hedge which baffles wind. I’d go with a native bare root mix. Much better than leylandii! Happy hedging! Lee 🥷🌿🤘

[@danielwalker5682]

@@Gardenninja Thank you so much for taking the trouble to respond. Your advice is greatly appreciated! I am a creature of habit. The conifer hedge I am going to miss for a while, from the point of view if privacy, but it is about 40 years old and has got to come out. Very best wishes, Lee, and keep up the great work. All the best, Dan.

[@liveblossom]

Do watch our video it suggests best fertilizer which you can give to any plant Click below!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZjLoZ-Omqadg80

[@STEPHEN-ht3je]

Hello Lee, loved watching your Utube vidoes. Can you help me? How do i encourage growth at the base of my blackthorn hedges which is over 6ft high, without reducing the height to drive the energy down?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Stephen. Thanks for the kind words about my gardening video guides. The best way is to ‘Nick’ with a knife just below the last branch which inhibits growth hormone above and stimulates lower growth. Hope that helps! Lee 🥷🌿👌

[@Thatmuslimmomof4]

Hello thank you for this I’m hoping I get tips and advice from your account to help me with my hedges that I’ve planted only yesterday

[@Gardenninja]

So nice of you to comment. Yes please use all the free gardening resources and www.gardenninja.co.uk where you can use the forum for specifics. 🥷🌿🤘

[@ABY68193]

How far apart should you plant them? Wonderful video btw

[@Gardenninja]

Many thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying my gardening content. Here’s my detailed article giving more advice on plant spacing. It’s usually 30-75cm depending on hedge plant species. www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-lay-a-hedge/ happy hedging! Lee 🥷🌿🤘

[@mammothmotouk]

I love you channel. It’s one of the best. You have inspired me to improve my hedges at home and I will be planting early next week. After lots of faff, I have finally erected my greenhouse. Having done so, now need some inspiration to get myself started. Could you offer any suggestions? Better yet, could you perhaps do a video. I am looking forward to you next video already. Big love Rob.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Rob, Have you checked out my How to Grow from Seed series? That should help you with your new greenhouse! Just think of all of that opportunity that awaits!! kzbin.info/aero/PL7HK5RsLCR9c-SV4gd8qoauwZXxU2TW5S Happy gardening! Lee 🌿🥷

[@aceofspades5786]

Hi Lee, planted a hedge like yours 2 years ago, griselinia now has many seeds, any tips for propagating the seeds?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Ace of Spades. Follow my seed sowing guide here. Though it’s probably faster to take cuttings if you want to propagate Griselinia! kzbin.info/www/bejne/enqmeIdqabiAidUsi=X5D4exXo26z8OyJo Good luck! 🥷🌿🤘

[@robg5509]

Awesome! How far apart did you plant them?

[@andyhowden7655]

Any other types of privit you'd recommend. Is the normal common stuff OK?

[@Gardenninja]

Standard privet is fine for a tough easy to look after hedge. But if you really want to help wildlife out and have a diverse hedge a native mixed hedge is a fantastic idea. With Holly, sloes, hawthorn and elders in the mix! 🥷🤘🌿

[@andyhowden7655]

@Garden Ninja: Lee Burkhill cheers my grandma is an avid gardener and she highly recommends a native mix hedge also. Just concerned it will take more up keep that a privet hedge.

[@stephenballantine3381]

What do you prefer beech or hornbeam ? Thanks

[@Gardenninja]

That depends on the soil and aspect. Beech has lovely glossy dark green leaves and then keeps its winter orange colour. However, Beech won't tolerate water logged soils. Hornbeams got a more matt longer ribbed leaf with more zingy green. But doesn't hold its leaves like Beech. However will cope with more extremes of soil. Hope that helps. Lee

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

I have a nice border hedge which birds hedgehogs live.i have noticed a section of the hedge is dying (about 8 feet).I have seen some fungus in that area and was wondering if it will kill the whole hedge which is about 30-40feet or can I cut out the dead section and replant?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Stephen. Sounds like some sort of fungus which yes will spread if left. I’ve dug out sections of diseased hedges like this myself in the past and then replaced sections. The key is to use a different species to the one you’ve removed to try and stop the spread of the fungus and replace any obviously infected soil (those with visible fungus) in too. Hope that helps. 🥷🌿🤘

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

@@Gardenninja cheers Lee much appreciated 🤙🏻

[@andyform1ma]

Hi Lee, I’m new to your channel I’m about to take delivery of 250 bare root Hornbeam, I have a couple of questions for you, they will be planted up to a roughly 4 foot farm wall, how far from the wall should I plant for density as they grow, also I’ve purchased root grow which I’m told is a sort of paste and you dip each root ball before planting, my question is should I also add bone meal and perhaps cultivate in before I plant, I’d appreciate any help, ps your hedging looks great, thanks in advance 😊

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Andy. Thanks for then question! You can use root hormone that’s fine. I wouldn’t bother with any fertiliser when planting. They will just become lazy. I find with hedging treating them mean soil wise works. Then once established in year 2 or so give a feed if they need it or better still a mulch in autumn. Plant them 45-60cm away from the wall. Same in gaps between them as hornbeam are quite fast growing. They will soon thicken up with your formative pruning Ie cutting 1/3 or even 1/2 off each year for first 3 years so they thicken up and mesh together. For other questions please use the forum where all other ninjas and viewers can help and benefit too! Then you can post pics too! www.gardenninja.co.uk/forum/ happy planting! Lee 🥷🌿👌

[@andyform1ma]

@@Gardenninja thanks Lee I really appreciate your help

[@Frank020]

hi how far apart to plant on center? privacy to block 2 story houses in my backyard. Masonry fence ok to plant close to it? Thanks

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Frank. It depends on which species or type of hedging plant you’re using. Have you read my detailed article here to get you started? www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-lay-a-hedge/ 🥷🌿

[@Frank020]

@@Gardenninja thanks bought skip Laurel oak leaf Holly and privet is in skyrocket juniper in ground . Seeing who can survive the high desert. So far privet is care free, but pruning 2x.

[@leepatterson6724]

Hi Lee, I planted a double-row hornbeam hedge of around 200 trees about 5 years ago.. It was only cut when it reached the desired height of around six foot but it looks leggy and has some spaces throughout it. Would I be better cutting it down to one foot off the ground in order to get it to bush out from the bottom, or will regular trimming allow this to happen in due course? Thanks very much, Lee P

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Lee. Yea that’s the only way to help thicken them. As plants focus their growth usually at the very top or apical tip getting them to expend energy lower down is hard. If you hard prune them you’re forcing this energy lower down. Brutal but it works abs you’ll have a better hedge because of it. Happy pruning! Lee 🥷🌿🙌

[@leepatterson6724]

Hi Lee, thank you so much for your response. That’s great, I’ll have to get at it very soon. I’m looking forward to having a proper hedge! Thanks again :)

[@shanealarcon7928]

I live in the tropic in the Caribbean I will plants 🪴 some tomr would it have a ok size my December

[@flipflopsneeded]

Did you use any type of irrigation system now to keep it green?

[@Gardenninja]

I did. There’s a video on my channel about the irrigation I used with a seep hose. You can watch that here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmLQpot7jKmYb6s

[@LookAtMeHD]

When do you start cutting it 2 times a year? Is it once its reached your desired height?

[@Gardenninja]

Nope straight away! Pruning encourages growth and side shoots. If you wait until it reaches the desired height it will be thin, floppy and won’t be dense enough to baffle wind or stop people from just pushing through the hedge. 🥷🌿🤘

[@aleksandra3851]

I am planting this now! Can you pls remind me what size they were when you plant them ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Gardenninja]

Hi, these were 2lt pots. Around 25cm tall when I planted them. Happy gardening! Checkout the original guide here for more detail www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-lay-a-hedge/ 🥷🌿🤘

[@FixItWithMe]

I have a hedge that I think was damaged with bleach during a concrete pressure washing… The corner of the hedge is all dead…but within the dead area, there is some green leaves popping up right in the middle…do u think it will fix itself or should I just cut the whole corner off this hedge? Thanks!!!!

[@Gardenninja]

Hi N Chen. It’s hard to say without seeing it. Can you use the forum instead here to post photos and the Ninja community can advise? www.gardenninja.co.uk/forum/ 🥷🌿🤘

[@SteveHPhotos]

what advice would you give to an old Yew hedge with gaps?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Steve. I’d think about adding younger yew into the gaps to help fill them. If the gaps are small you can half cut some stems and lay parts of the yew. The old fashioned way so they are sliced but not severed. Then peg them down horizontally. That can help with side growth that fills out. Either way a good prune of 1/3 early in the season should help thicken them up too. Hope that helps! Lee 🥷🌿

[@1woestekikker]

How do you prune a solitair laurel NOVITA? I planted one yesterdag. I heard that you have to wait to prune the top until it has reached the right height. I'm scared it shouldn't grow on top anymore. Someone? ;) GRTZ from Belgium

[@haroldbetterson1877]

Hiya am I too late to plant bare root yew? It’s -2 at night so I’ve been waiting ☺️ great video 👍

[@Gardenninja]

You’re just about too late but not quite. Get them in stat and keep them watered until you see new growth emerge. You should be just fine. Lee 🥷🌿

[@haroldbetterson1877]

@@Gardenninja thank you that’s me tomorrow!!!!

[@robzaphy]

Hi Lee, I planted a bare root privet hedge in December. I have trimmed it like you said and everything, I know it will take many years but roughly would you know how long it would take to reach about 6-8 feet tall? Thanks. Rob

[@Gardenninja]

Id say 3-4 years if the weather and conditions allow to get to 6 ft. Once privet gets established though it’s super tough. Happy hedging! Lee 🥷🌿

[@ElinWinblad]

How far away do you plant so you can trim backside without trespassing on neighbors lots?

[@paulinecrispin121]

Each time I have moved house I have grown a hedge, but before its had time to do it job, the neighbours have put up fencing.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Pauline. Such a shame that people are so impatient. I get the need for privacy but I don’t understand why we can’t at least part hedge our gardens. Maybe every other side? Short sighted though isn’t it and a shame. Maybe it’s because people don’t realise the simplify and benefits? Happy gardening. 🥷🌿 Lee

[@KL-eq3zg]

Just planted a 7 metre golden privet hedge here in the UK, all currently around 60-80cm, when should I prune them to encourage growth/thickening up? Now, straight after planting? Wait until early spring? Read lots of conflicting info, the garden centre to wait until grown desired height, is that wrong? Seems it, confused! Many TIA 🙂

[@Gardenninja]

Hi KL. Yes there’s lots of conflicting info which can be frustrating. If you wait until the desired height they won’t thicken up. This is because plants use apical growth. Ie the tips of shoot grow out longer and longer. The plant usually wants to get away from competition and establish itself. So it sends out growth from the top as this is where the hormones are concentrated. It’s a survival of the fittest style approach for most* plants. The top apical growth is usually the strongest so side shoots and lateral growth are reduced. So now that we know that- it follows that for most* plants cutting off the top shoots then diverts that energy to the side shoots as a ‘plan b’ if you will. Conifers are different as they have very string apical dominance so if you cut the tops of it usually just a tops them in the tracks for good. As for privet id take 1/3 off no matter how brutal it seems now in Sept. Same again next Autumn with a light tidy in spring. Give them a water. DONT FEED THEM. Focus on Waters only for the first couple of years and a mulch if your soils poor. Then they’ll Bush. They will still grow ‘vertically’ but in a more meshed format which you want for a hedge. Hope that helps clear up some of the confusion!! Happy hedging!! Lee 🥷🌿

[@KL-eq3zg]

@@Gardenninja wow! Thank you so much for your indepth reply! Definitely cleared up any confusion, will be out today clipping away. Thanks again :)

[@Chuzzie82]

You said you watered twice a week to promote growth, how long did you water them for? 30 minutes? 1 hour? Longer? Thanks

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Chuzzle. I used a seep hose on twice a week for half an hour. Use your discretion just water them until their root ball is moist then stop. Happy gardening!

[@Chuzzie82]

@@Gardenninja my hedges are still in their infancy, what's the best way to cut them to grow? Cut the top only? Sides? Thanks

[@Gardenninja]

Top mainly and a nip off the sides. Happy gardening. 🥷🌿👌

[@Chuzzie82]

@@Gardenninja thank you for all your advice, much appreciated! 🙂👍🏽

[@bobdavis1919]

just subscribed to your channel looking for hedging ideas ive just removed about 20m of conifers and other trees shubs which were out of control fencing it off is going to lead to conflict with the neibours this looks like a solution

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Bob. Glad the guides helpful. A hedge is far more sympathetic for a boundary especially to replace old out of control greenery! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿

[@christopherwaller8097]

Hi Lee, I removed around 8-9 large conifers 3 years ago and planted a griselinia about 3/4 the length of your hedge line. They were in 1metre troughs. Anyway mine are only half the height of yours. I live on the South Coast where apparently they like the sea air. They obviously need telling 😂. Kinda tired of watching trains go past my garden and almost wish I kept the fence now. Any ideas? Thanks for your time

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Christopher. Did you leave them in the troughs? That maybe why they’ve been slow to root. You could give them a good mulch with peat free compost. That would help keep moisture in and add some nutrients which your soil maybe lacking. Other than that check they’re not thirsty if you’ve got very chalky soil. Hope that helps! Lee 🥷🌿

[@christopherwaller8097]

Garden Ninja Ltd no, didn’t leave them in the troughs. Okay, I’ll add some mulch. Thanks so much for your support Lee 🙌🏻

[@Gardenninja]

You’d be surprised how many people do!! 😂 happy mulching. Lee 🥷🌿

[@jayg017]

How far away from a fence is ideal to plant escallonia?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi James. At least 30cm. If you plant escalonia too close to a solid wooden fence the back part with just turn brown even though evergreen they still need some light. 30cm will allow them to establish nicely. Happy planting. Lee 🥷🤘🌿

[@jayg017]

@@Gardenninja Thanks a million, great video btw.

[@MUJTABA1001]

i am from India bro. just want to know how to train a cypress (golden and italian cyoress) hedge to 8 feet tall hedge. when we plant a small cypress of around 3feet how to prune or train them during their first few years. Do we need to pinch them from top or do we need to side prune them.. please reply

[@terrycoles9079]

Hello lee, How's it going? Wow, your hedge looks awesome, cant believe I watched you plant that, where is the time going 😩 I also have a large hedge in my back garden along with some trees, I'd definitely not replace them for fence panels for the same reasons you stated. I love animals and wildlife, but I have a couple of mischievous squirrels that keep attacking my bird feeders until they drop on the floor, I dont mind them eating, but they are so destructive, i throw down nuts and fat balls, but they are so greedy ,do you have any suggestions? Cheers, Terry

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Terry! Times flying isn’t it. Scary! The amount of wildlife even in 3 years is amazing from the hedge and it’s really reduced exposure in the garden. Ahhh squirrels. What a cute pain in the back side!!! I used to have this same problem. Best thing. Use one of the big baffle or domes on the main leg of the feeder to prevent them. Then you can feed them whatever you want on the ground but protect your feeder. Hope that helps. Lee 🥷🌿

[@terrycoles9079]

@@Gardenninja Hello lee, Thank you for for message. Great idea of how to keep the greedy squirrels at bay, I have seen them, they look like huge mixing bowls, I shall execute this idea👍I hear of people shooting squirrels, vile people!! Thanks again and keep up the good work lee.. 🥃🍩

[@jilllineham9615]

Where did you get bare rooted from Lee?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Jill. Theres plenty of bareroot nurseries in the UK and a lot of them will be local when you start googling! Good luck! 🥷🌿🤘

[@Dayda-7]

Just put hawthorn whips in,fence kept blowing down and I never really liked panels anyway

[@user-ry7wf4hi9w]

Hi I planted Bare root cherry laurel hedge in November and the leaves are brown is this normal? And I've planted 5he same ones in another area and the leaves are green what does this mean?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi L. It could be frost damage or that it’s not established and died. It’s hard to know without pictures. My online forum is the best place to ask these questions where you can add pictures and the Ninja army can help provide answers for you. www.gardenninja.co.uk/forum/ 🥷🤘🌿

[@Beatriz-xd1nv]

Hi, Griselina is litoral plant is safe for dogs and humans? If no could you recommend me a tree or plant that is safe for pets and humas I want to put in my garden for privacy. Thanks.

[@mmckgpio]

Hi Lee, how long does it take for Euonymus japonica to get established? I planted about 70 in April 2021. I live in the west of Ireland and they were planted in boggy soil. Thank you

[@simranarora6393]

Please let me know the height of new hedging plants?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Simran. It really depends on the pot size and how old they were. These where around 20cm tall when I planted them. Now they’re 6 foot. Checkout this update to see! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJKxiIN7ZpymjLc

[@simranarora6393]

@@GardenninjaThank you. 20cm to 6 feet in 3 years is impressive!

[@alannahburnett2894]

Video starts at 1:41

[@janner2121]

Grisselina Clitoris always grows well in damp conditions !

[@Gardenninja]

Cheeky! 😉🥷🌿

[@onemanfran]

I wish I had bought more established plants. I bought a mix of 90cm hawthorn and blackthorn whips and now I'm thinking it will take ten years to amount to anything...

[@Gardenninja]

Don’t panic they soon fill out. Whips are much easier to establish than container grown plants. Cut them back by 1/3. It may feel brutal but will spur on thicker growth rather than letting them get leggy. Trust me! 😇🥷🌿🙌 Lee

[@harrowbiodiversity594]

Just be careful cutting a hedge in the spring when you may be disturbing nesting birds. Otherwise I'm a massive fan of native hedges! A good mixture of species will support a wide range of wildlife. Remember many hedging plants are the food plants for the caterpillar stages of butterflies and moths.

[@Gardenninja]

Indeed they are! And yes always check for nesting birds. I’ve noticed a huge amount of wildlife with my hedge. Hares use it for cover. Birds in and out. All sorts of creepy crawlers emerge and butterfly’s take rest on those leaves to warm themselves! Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿🍃🐛🐝🦋

[@RightOne1]

@@Gardenninja but I want a hare-proof hedge.

[@Johnrider1234]

You dont cut in the spring.

[@mmckgpio]

@@Gardenninja Hi Lee, we had wild hares around and they eat the bottom of my newly planted hedges

[@MUJTABA1001]

i am from India bro. just want to know how to train a cypress hedge to create a 8 feet tall hedge. when we plant a small cypress of around 3feet how to prune or train them during their first few years. Do we need to pinch them from top or do we need to side prune them.. please reply

[@Johnrider1234]

We are planting 6000 privit hedge

[@Gardenninja]

Wow! Good luck and enjoy! Lee

[@RightOne1]

It's quite sparse at the bottom. You need to bend a lot of lower branches down to earth.

[@lovemuffin10101]

Anyone else having issues watching this. It won’t load for me 😢

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Nikki. Think it must be your connection as it’s working for me! Happy gardening. 🥷🌿🤘

[@joshuamills2868]

Aren't you concerned that the berries are poisonus to dogs?

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Joshua. No they’re non toxic and my dogs been trained not to eat berries or anything from my garden or on walks. A rare feat I know!! Thanks for the comment and happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🤘🐶

[@pablocortando1]

Hi,first visit,Barry ,are you a girl,many thanks.

[@JamesBrown-jn9zx]

18 second ad is far too much

[@joannewolfe5688]

Alien

[@paulnickson4684]

Thanks lee and Barry another great video . I have just planted Japanese laurel. Thea are only about a foot and half tall shall I just keep watering them till thea grow taller .as not sure to prune till thea get taller thanks paul.

[@Gardenninja]

Hi Paul. Japanese Laurel are slowish to grow. So I’d be light touch with them. As soon as they get too thin up top. Off with 1/4 and that will thicken them up. They’re bullet proof though. They don’t need feed. Just a mulch once a year. Hope that helps. Lee 🥷🌿

[@paulnickson4684]

@@Gardenninja thanks lee and Barry hope all well looking forward to seeing more vids give Barry a stroke from me paul

[@Gardenninja]

🥷🤘🐶