Removing hedges requires a lot of effort and is often quite expensive. The bushes must first be cut back, laboriously dug up and then disposed of. That's why some garden owners want an uncomplicated solution.
How can I effectively kill a hedge?
To kill a hedge, you can use environmentally friendly methods such as covering it with foil or planting climbing plants. Alternatively, chemical agents such as glyphosate can be used, although these are only recommended in the autumn and winter months.
Observe the legal situation
Before removing it, regardless of whether you want to remove the hedge mechanically or chemically, be sure to take a look at the Federal Nature Conservation Act:
- From March 1st to September 30th, radical clearing work is not permitted.
- Violators face severe pen alties.
Environmentally friendly means of destruction
If possible, you should use these. The advantage: they are mildly effective and protect the plants and animals in the area. For example, it has proven useful to radically cut back the hedge and cover the remaining parts of the plant with a thick film. In the long term, this deprives the plants of their livelihood because photosynthesis is prevented.
Depending on the type of hedge plants, you can try to plant strong-growing climbing plants. Due to their sprawling growth and high nutrient requirements, they cause the bushes to slowly die.
However, with this method the green privacy screen remains in place for quite some time. If you are primarily bothered by the monotonous greenery or bushes that have become bare in the ground area, climbing artists such as clematis or honeysuckle provide an attractive look.
Effective but less environmentally friendly: The chemical club
For ecological reasons, these products should only be used in emergencies. In gardening stores you can get various chemical preparations to kill hedges, which almost always contain glyphosate (€23.00 on Amazon). These should only be used in the autumn and winter months, as the plant juices do not increase then.
However, it takes quite some time until the entire privacy screen is destroyed. Disadvantage: If the bush has completely died down, you cannot initially plant any other plants in the same place as the chemical agents continue to inhibit growth.
Procedure:
- Severely shorten the hedge above ground.
- Mix the preparation according to the package instructions.
- Wear protective clothing and apply pesticides very carefully.
- Drill a few holes in woody stumps and pour the agent into them.
- Remove all parts of the plant after it dies.
Tip
The roots of hedge plants can be firmly and deeply attached to the soil. Digging out is then extremely difficult. If you wrap a sturdy rope or chain around the stump, you can lever out the rhizome with a jack.
