Passers-by often ask ‘what’ and ‘why.’ Hedgelaying is termed a traditional skill. The three main reasons for laying a hedge are: to produce a stock proof barrier, to rejuvenate the hedge from its base and to enhance its wildlife value.
The general rule is that any species that coppices well, will respond well to laying. There are exceptions; beech (Fagus sylvatica) does not recover well from being coppiced, and although it will survive being laid, the growth from the base will be minimal. Main hedgerow species include hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple and hazel.
The hedgelaying season spans from late October to mid-March. This is the dormant period. As soon as the sap begins to rise and birds show an interest in nesting, the hedging season ends.
A newly planted hedge is best left to establish itself for at least 8 years before laying. Usually, at Huxley Hedges, we specialise in older, more complicated hedges; hedges with large bases, lengthy gaps and unruly ‘bird nest’ appearance. The skill of laying older hedges requires more advanced techniques, including root laying and some coppicing and this level of difficulty is reflected in the higher price per metre.
Yes! The stem (pleacher) is still attached at the base. With the inner bark, the bast and cambium layers still intact then water and nutrients will continue to flow up the stem, keeping it alive. Also, during the first growing season, you will notice regrowth at the base.
Midland /Bullock style is what we, at Huxley Hedges, choose. It creates a thick hedge designed to be stock proof; cattle would be held on the far side of the hedge which is kept brashy (rather than the neat appearance of the near side).