Further Information about Horse Friendly Hedging Plants
Horse friendly hedging plants are suitable for all soil types in full sun or partial shade. When you may want to consider protecting your new hedge – firstly from rabbits with some of our spiral tree guards (and 4ft bamboo canes to keep them firm). And (telling you something you already know probably) something to keep the horses away while the hedge establishes as they are very inquisitive and love a nibble on something new! We would recommend a temporary fence or electric tapes at 2 metres distance away from the plants
Our Horse Friendly Hedging Mix is made up from the following species
50% Quickthorn (Hawthorn) – Crataegus monogyna. Needed in quantity to knit the hedge together and make it stockproof.
50% selected from the following (minimum of 5 species on small orders, larger orders will contain most or all the species below)
Common Dogwood – Cornus sanguinea
Dog Rose – Rosa canina
Guelder Rose – Viburnum opulus
Hazel – Corylus avellana
Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus
Red Rugosa Rose – Rosa rugosa Rubra
White Rugosa Rose – Rosa rugosa Alba
How many plants do i need?
The number of plants needed is a matter of choice, as a rule the more plants you use the quicker the hedge will develop and it will become stockproof more quickly. (within 5 years or so). Here are some guidelines:
Single Row
When planting a new horse friendly hedge, we recommend using 3 plants per metre for a single row hedge (setting each plant 13inches/33cm apart).
Double Row
For a thicker double row hedge, use 5 plants per metre (setting the plants 40cm apart in each row with 40cm between the 2 rows).
Extra Thick hedging
For an extra thick and dense hedge that may be achieved more quickly, use 7 plants per metre in a double row (setting each plant 11inches/28cm apart in each row with 40cm between the 2 rows).
When planting we recommend adding a sparing amount of bone meal to the soil, Rootgrow is also very effective for speeding up establishment. If you have a good supply of horse manure – this can be used provided it is well rotted and crumbly (from the back of the pile probably), mix it in well and don’t use too much, and don’t use fresh manure as its likely to scorch the plants.
We have a useful how to plant a hedge page on the website with lots of tips on getting the best from your plants. We also send a printed copy in with your plants so you have it to hand.
Like our other hedgerow mixes, Horse Friendly Hedging is best trimmed from August onwards when nesting birds have fledged. With any luck you may be able to persuade a neighbouring farmer to trim it back with his flail hedge trimmer, much easier if the hedge is a long one and just as good as cutting by hand.
If you have any other questions about our Horse Friendly Hedging Plants please do drop us an email, or call our team of hedging experts on 01580 765600.
