Privacy hedges with wild-growing trees offer added value to people and nature. They can be designed in the form of similar cut hedges or mixed hedges. As a positive side effect, many trees develop edible fruits.
Which plants are suitable for a privacy screen in the hedge?
Native species such as hornbeam, hawthorn, field maple, spruce or mixed hedges made from blackthorn, mountain ash, wild roses and cornelian cherry are suitable for natural privacy. They are undemanding, easy to care for and at the same time provide a habitat for animals.
Choose native species
Use native species for hedge design. They are valuable for protecting wild animals because they provide food, refuge and breeding grounds. When choosing, pay attention to the different location requirements in terms of soil, moisture and light. Plant non-toxic hedges so that there is no he alth risk to children from eating poisonous fruits.
cut hedges
Slow and densely growing shrubs are suitable for creating cut hedges. Many species are capable of coppicing and can tolerate radical pruning measures if necessary. They develop well-branched branches and can be kept very narrow, making these hedges ideal for privacy in small spaces.
1. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
This species is undemanding and tolerant of heat and drought. In winter it retains the dead leaves, which offers birds an ideal place to retreat. The dried foliage ensures protection from prying eyes during the cold season.
2. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The thorny shrub is an undemanding tree that can be easily cut back. After a total cut, the hawthorn sprouts again. The leaves can be affected by fire blight.
3. Field maple (Acer campestre)
This shade-tolerant species grows as a tree or shrub. It is suitable for any soil and tolerates shady conditions. Its rapid growth makes it suitable for greening hedge gates or arbors. It should be cut at least twice a year.
4. Spruce (Picea abies)
The evergreen conifer can be used as a privacy hedge through regular pruning. It does not tolerate total pruning.
Free-growing mixed hedges
A mixed hedge consists of different types of trees arranged in two rows. Plant several specimens of slow-growing shrubs in small groups. Low-growing species should be placed at the edge of the mixed hedge. This form of hedge is a visually appealing privacy screen, but maintenance is more complex than that of the uniform cut hedge. When selecting species, pay attention to flowering times, fruit decoration and autumn color.
1. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
Blackthorn is a common name for this undemanding shrub with root runners. It develops dark blue fruits that lose their sour taste after the first frosts. The dense growth offers optimal privacy protection.
2. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
The species known as rowan is suitable for planting in mixed hedges or cut hedges. It is undemanding and produces red berries that are non-toxic to birds and humans.
3. Wild roses (pink)
Dog rose (Rosa canina), beaver rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) and wine rose (Rosa rubiginosa) are among the native rose species that grow in permeable soils. They are ideal trees for privacy hedges in sunny locations.
4. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
This undemanding shrub prefers warm locations. It grows as a narrow shrub and produces cherry-like fruits that are edible.
