Natural garden fence
Main advantage: very natural, provides cooling in warm periods, is good for birds and is pleasant for the drainage in the garden. Disadvantage: often requires more maintenance than other garden fences.
When choosing a natural hedge, don’t only consider the pruning work it will require, but also the hardiness of the soil, the soil structure at the location of the hedge and whether it will be in a sunny or shady spot. Here are a few tips:
Boxwood, which is green all year round, was a favourite in the Netherlands for a long time, but has now become a formidable competitor due to the boxwood caterpillar. Also cherry laurel stays green all year round. It does well in sun and shade and does not need pruning.
Privet attracts many insects, butterflies and birds. The branches grow close together, providing privacy and shelter. Prune often.
Holly does not grow too fast, which keeps the maintenance of this hedge relatively simple.
Bamboo grows fast and stays green in winter. Make sure you do not buy the weed-eater, but the kind that stays in place. The more often you prune, the denser bamboo becomes. In other words: more shelter.
Yew does not grow quickly, but it does last a long time. Not for households with animals, because of the poisonous berries and needles.
A beech hedge is a fast grower that requires little maintenance and changes colour in the winter.
The white Hydrangea does not change colour, the other turns blue, pink or purple depending on the acidity of the soil. Pruning is not necessary.