Replacing an old Hedge

Question:

I have a west-facing garden with a border of 12' leylandii on the south side. As a result, the grass on the south side of the garden is almost constantly in shade and waterlogged most months of the year. Ideally I would like to remove the leylandii and replace them with a low maintenance hedge (say requiring trimming once/twice a year) at a height of 4'. If possible, the hedge would be one that draws a lot of water out of the ground, in order to prevent/minimise waterlogging. There is a high clay content below the surface soil. While our neighbours are happy for us to remove the leylandii, they would like to have a leafy border to the garden rather than the broken fence that currently resides beneath the leylandii! Can you advise on whether this would reduce the waterlogging, and on what hedge type would be suitable? Should the leylandii be removed with their roots, or can they be cut off at ground level? There are approximately 25 trees, spaced at 1m apart.

Answer:

It is unusual for ground to be waterlogged beneath a hedge as they tend to take a lot of moisture from the soil, particularly leylandii. I suspect that the water logging is caused by a "pan" (a hard layer of soil beneath the top soil) or compaction of the clay.

You can check this by digging a small but deep hole and check the layers as you go, you may have to go as deep as 2-3ft to find the cause. If there are no particularly hard layers then the only other reason may be the lay of the land. Does the garden slope towards the hedge?

In my opinion the only way to cure this is to remove the hedge, including the roots and dig down as far as the "pan" or compacted layer to remove it then back fill with a good quality top soil mixed with manure to add bulk. This will form a great bed for the new hedge to begin its life. In order for the new hedge to grow successfully it would be wise to remove the fence which is currently below the leylandii. This will also make it easier to remove the trees and dig the trench.

I don't envy you this job to make it easier you may want to consider hiring a dumper and stump chipper, have look at the equipment for hire at Wyevale by clicking here, it may help. Alternatively here's a link to the Tree Surgery Directory if you want to employ a professional.

As for replacements, here is a link to the hedging page at Crocus.co.uk to give you some ideas. Carpinus betulus - Common Hornbeam is a native plant and ideal for heavy soil like yours. It will need it's height keeping in check but may be suitable.

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