Hedges provide far reaching social and environmental benefits.
They add to the scenic appearance of the landscape, giving a wooded impression, despite Ireland having the lowest native woodland cover in Europe.
Hedges and trees regulate water movement in landscape, reducing flooding and improving water quality through aiding filtration of water. They are important for fisheries as they reduce siltation (the accumulation of small particles of soil in waterways) in waterways.
As stock-proof boundaries hedges provide shelter to stock; prevent spread of disease between animals in adjacent plots; prevent soil erosion; and support beneficial invertebrates.
The lack of deciduous woodlands in Ireland makes hedgerows an important surrogate habitat to a wide range of wildlife. They support all levels of the food chain, from wild flowers, butterflies and ladybirds, to bats, hedgehogs and owls. There are 149 species of invertebrates in Hawthorn and Blackthorn, and two-thirds of Irish birds nest in Hedgerows!
As a source of deciduous trees they contribute to carbon sequestration
Hedges and trees can increase property values by anything from 5 – 20 %. As such they are an asset to any development and should be retained and protected as part of any new development. Some local authorities reflect this in County Development Plans.
Planting a Hedge
For blending in to existing landscape and for wildlife it is best to plant any new hedge with native Irish species, which will in time provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Native species from native seed sources are adjusted to Irish climate and soils. Irish wildlife is carefully adapted to native species also. Ideally plants should be sourced locally from local stock.
If buying bare rooted plants, ensure the roots are kept covered and moist until the moment of planting
In well drained ground hedges should be planted in the late autumn, and in heavy or wet ground in early spring. Avoid planting just before frost.
Hedges must be protected from grazers until they become established. Use fencing, old cardboard, or reuse plastic from the silage clamp.
In deciding what species to plant, think first of what you would like from your hedge. Is it primarily fro shelter, for flowering and wildlife, or for colour? Also look to see what is growing in the hedges around you to see what grows well in the area.
Some native shrub species for planting:
Whitethorn & Blackthorn
Holly
Willow & Guelder rose (good in wet ground)
Hazel
Elm
Spindle
Some native tree species for planting in a hedge include:
Ash
Willow
Oak
Birch
Wild cherry
Mountain Ash (Rowan)
Sycamore and Beech have very heavy canopies which prevent light from reaching the hedge layer and can weaken the hedge beneath. These are also not native species and thus do not benefit wildlife so much as native tree species.
