Cypresses are not only very decorative because of their different colors - the evergreen conifers also provide a good privacy screen. That's why many gardeners create cypress hedges, which give the garden a Mediterranean flair. How to plant and care for a cypress hedge.
How do I plant and care for a cypress hedge?
Plant and care for a cypress hedge by choosing a sunny, wind-protected location, maintaining a planting distance of 30-50 cm, watering and fertilizing regularly, watering on frost-free winter days, and cutting back twice a year (spring and August).
The right location for the cypress hedge
A hedge cypress needs a favorable location. It should be warm, protected and as sunny as possible. The conifer prefers slightly acidic soil that is well drained.
Compacted soils must be loosened before planting. It is recommended to put a drainage layer in the ground.
In very drafty, shady locations where it freezes a lot in winter, you should plant a hedge of false cypress or thuja instead of cypress trees.
Maintain sufficient planting distance
Within the hedge, maintain a planting distance of 30 to 50 centimeters. Depending on how quickly you want sufficient privacy, plant two or three cypress trees per meter.
Maintain sufficient planting distance from buildings, walls and sidewalks. The roots can become very strong after a few years and damage foundations or pavement slabs.
Cypress hedge care
In addition to cutting, the cypress hedge needs some care so that it stays he althy and no diseases occur. The most important care measures include:
- cutting
- pouring
- fertilize
- overwinter properly
It is important that the roots never dry out completely or become waterlogged. Immediately after planting, you need to water regularly and ensure there is enough moisture later. In summer, multiple waterings per day may be necessary.
Since cypress hedges grow very quickly, they need sufficient nutrients. Fertilize the hedge in spring by spreading compost or seasoned animal manure underneath. A layer of mulch is also a good way to fertilize a cypress hedge. Alternatively, you can use special long-term conifer fertilizer (€33.00 on Amazon) from garden specialists.
Cutting hedge cypress
Cypress trees as a hedge must be trimmed regularly. Only then will the trees become nice and dense. Cut younger hedges twice a year, in spring and from August onwards. For older hedges, pruning is usually sufficient.
Even if the cypress hedge has not yet reached its final height, you should trim it regularly, by a third of its annual growth.
Cypress hedges in winter
Since cypress trees evaporate a lot of water through their dense needles, there is a risk that the trees will dry out in winter. Therefore, water the hedge with warmed water on frost-free days.
Cypresses are only partially hardy. Additional winter protection is advisable, especially in the first few years after planting. Cover the trees with burlap.
Tip
Choose the location for your cypress hedge carefully. Once the trees have been in place for a few years, they can hardly be transplanted. Also note the municipality's regulations regarding planting distances from neighboring properties.
