Plant selection, tips and tricks

The hallmarks of a conifer hedge

Coniferous hedges are relatively fast-growing and quickly create a privacy screen for terraces or other seating areas. Also as property boundary or Border a coniferous hedge does well. All conifer species are evergreen and are a focal point in the garden even in winter.
A conifer hedge is little work, as pruning is only necessary once or twice a year. A nice side effect when cutting is the pleasant scent of the essential oils that emerge from the interfaces. The hedge must be watered on warm summer days, as conifers cannot tolerate dry soil.

Conifer species

There are around 588 conifer varieties known around the world. The most popular are:

• the yew
• the thuja or tree of life
• the primeval sequoia
• the spruce
• the Japanese larch

The yew tree

Yew trees occur as sturdy trees, as columnar trees or as bushes. All of them grow slowly and are evergreen. In autumn they produce red berries that attract the birds. All parts of the yew tree are poisonous for humans.

The thuja

It is hardy, windproof and grows quickly into an opaque hedge. Typical are the scale leaves lying close to the branches, which often turn olive green in winter. When rubbed or cut, they release a pleasant scent. It loves a sunny location and moist soil.

The primeval sequoia

This is a conifer that turns golden yellow in autumn and then loses its leaves. It is ideal for very moist soil types.
A unique cut ensures an attractive appearance.

The spruce

Spruce trees are not often seen as a hedge. However, due to their cut tolerance, they are excellently suited. Without a cut, spruces can grow up to 30 m high.
Spruces like to stand in the sun or in the Penumbra, offer good privacy and can withstand harsh winters.

The Japanese larch

It belongs to the foliage-shedding species and can be up to 30 m high untrimmed. Regular pruning is required. With its blue-green needles, it is an extraordinary eye-catcher. In autumn the larch hedge turns a beautiful golden yellow color.