On 11/10/2014 12:11, Michael Uplawski wrote:
Hi there

November approaches and we have decided where to put new trees and
brushes along our hedges in the north-west and north-east of our
terrain.

These hedges mark the borderline between the past and the future, death
and life, chemical farming and my kind of gardening.

The brushes which survived until now are hollies (which we like very
much) and whin (which we tolerate). The rest is in poor condition or
dead.

My main worry are the high trees that should grow here and there in the
hedge, but do not, currently. I will give order to some young oaks to
join the frontier but do not feel good about that.

Have you any experience to share on the subject? I know, it would be
an advantage, if I knew the kind of filth that my dearest neighbour is
using in such abundance that the hedges die, but the latest intelligence
shows these farmers do no longer decide themselves about the moment to
spread their Agent Orange, nor “flavour” or quantiteis.

I need the toughest plants that I can get.

TY,

Michael



As you clearly know, there are no guarantees with this type of planting.
However, my advice would be to look at the hedgerows which surround
this farm, see what is doing well, and plant those shrubs/trees in
sufficient numbers that something is bound to survive. For a dense
hedge, it is often advised to plant two staggered rows of the chosen
plant(s). If you have space, you may find planting three staggered rows
will give you a denser hedge sooner, creating a wider buffer zone.

Since 'your' farmer is using noxious chemicals, I assume he's not
keeping cattle or other livestock(?), so you could try Yew (Taxus
baccata) nearest his land. (Yew is poisonous, so you ought not to use it
near livestock). Also try Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa). Since it already does well for you, and you like it,
add more holly. You could even allow one to grow into a tree; likewise
the Hawthorn. It may be worth trying Berberis. There are evergreen and
deciduous forms.

Whatever you plant, you will really need to buy bare root to get
sufficient quantities at a reasonable price. Have a look at some of the
classified ads in the back of gardening magazines, or Google "hedging".
I'm sure if you contact a good hedging nursery, they will be able to
tell you what will withstand poisons better than most, as well as what
will do well in your area.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay