[matjay]

Hi

Its getting to that time of year again and the cold weather is slowly creeping its way back in again !!!!! Just want a few pointers on the upcoming big freeze (its coming again ) Should I place some chipped bark at the base of my new hedge to protect the roots from frost damage or can I leave it the way it is ??

Also when would be the best time to prune the hedge and were should I cut, I dont want to go all Freddy Kruger on it. i woulf like to get a bit more density on the bottom, so were should I cut there also to promote growth down the bottom,


Ta

[michael brenock]

if the frost is going to be that severe then you will need a lot of bark mulch to prevent it. If the hedge is already planted then cut it back in early Spring before growth starts making sure that some buds remain below the cutting point. What you lose in height in Spring you gain during the summer, the hardest part of the hedge to fill is the lowest part and should always be filled first. The top is the easiest part to fill.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[matjay]

Thanks Michael, I will take your pointers on board