Living hedges, especially made of thuja, privet, cherry laurel and similar trees, are popular plantings to protect the garden from unwanted looks or to structure larger garden spaces in a meaningful way. However, it becomes problematic when long hedge plantings in particular have to be supplied with sufficient water.
How should you properly water a hedge?
To water a hedge adequately, consider the plant type, location and soil. Dry soil or hot periods require more water. Use watering cans or automatic irrigation systems such as drip or pearl hoses for optimal supply.
Why you need to water your hedge from time to time
There are various reasons why watering a hedge becomes necessary from time to time:
- the hedge is in very dry (e.g. sandy) soil
- there is currently a dry and/or hot phase
- the hedge is freshly planted and needs more moisture to grow better
A regular water supply is essential, especially in the first two years of life, to ensure that the hedge plants grow he althily. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging. Even in dry and hot periods - such as those that have increasingly occurred in spring in recent years - the external water supply is important for the survival of the trees.
How much water does the hedge need?
How often and how much water needs to be administered depends on factors such as
- the plant species and its water requirements
- the location (full sun, partial shade, shady)
- the soil (sandy, humic, loamy)
Specific figures cannot be given without knowledge of these factors. Some plant species, for example, have a higher water requirement than others that can cope with significantly less moisture in the same location. On the other hand, you should plan for a higher water requirement for very warm and sunny locations than for darker locations. The same applies to the soil: Sandy soil is very permeable and has poor storage capacity - the water practically runs through. The heavier the soil, the more water it stores - and the less you have to water. Instead, it is important to ensure that waterlogging does not form.
Ways to water the hedge
Of course, you can supply your hedge in the classic way with a watering can and collected water from the rain barrel, but you will quickly reach your limits. This is especially true if the hedge is very long and, for example, runs around the entire garden. An automatic irrigation system (€119.00 on Amazon) makes this work much easier for you, with drip or pearl hoses typically being installed. You can also connect this to a watering computer so that the system works completely independently of your physical presence.
Tip
If possible, use an irrigation computer with integrated rain radar to avoid overwatering.
