If you need a border for your property but don't like the look of a fence, a hedge may be the right choice for you. Hedges have been used by property owners as natural fences for centuries. A tall hedge will also offer plenty of privacy for the property it encloses. A densely planted hedge, or one that contains plants with thorns, will also help enhance the security of the property. Hedges act as a frame around the property, giving it a finished look. There are many options available to you if you're interested in planting a hedge around your home.
There are several different types of shrubs that are commonly used as hedges. The two most common are the boxwood shrub and the yew. The boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen plant that is often used to give a garden a more formal look. Yews are needle-bearing plants that can be grown in sun or shade; they are also slow growers. Other plants that are sometimes used as hedges are Rose of Sharon, forsythia bushes and azaleas.
Hedges are not low-maintenance. A well-kept hedge will need to be trimmed on a regular basis, and the easiest way to do this, of course, is with a hedge trimmer. Some homeowners go one step further, and use a set of stakes and string to guide their cutting and keep the top and sides of their hedges straight. Hedges are also often host to a variety of weeds and vines that will need to be pulled out, including poison ivy.
While beautiful and practical, a hedge is a big responsibility for a homeowner. If you prefer easy-care gardening, hedges may not be for you. But for those who have the time, patience and inclination to maintain one, a hedge can be a living asset to a property.