Plant a Hedge for Privacy and Looks
If you are a homeowner who wishes for a bit of privacy from the neighbors or passerby, why not plant a hedge or two? Hedges are the perfect (and natural) way to protect your privacy without having to buy wood and other materials to construct a fence that would likely rot within a few years anyway. Defining the hedge, it is literally a wall made up of living plants or small trees that serve to provide specific lawn delineations and decoration as well as privacy.
Deciding What to Plant
Of course, when you decide to plant a hedge or two (or more!), you will discover that there are quite a few varieties to choose from. There are both deciduous and evergreen options that work well in a variety of climates in both flowering and non-flowering varieties. Before you decide to plant a hedge, you need to decide if you want the almost year-round green of the evergreen or are willing to deal with deciduous hedges which may flower and then lose leaves at the end of its growing season.
In regards to security and privacy, you might want to consider the fact that the deciduous variety of hedges may not be your best option. When you plant a hedge for security and privacy, you want the foliage to do its job of shielding your home or area. So if the leaves and flowers of the deciduous hedges shed, you will have certain times of year where you will not have the protection and privacy you need.
In regards to security only, when you plant a hedge, you should consider the fact that there are some that grow so tall they could conceal criminals who wish to break into your home. Therefore, you should consider holly or other prickly or thorny hedges to plant around your home's perimeter which would add that element of privacy as well as a feeling of security. Criminals are less likely to want to hang around plants and shrubs which could tear clothing and hurt them.
Maintenance Issues
When you decide to plant a hedge, you should also consider the maintenance of it, especially if you do your own yard work and landscaping. Are the hedges easy enough to trim via a hand pruner or do you need to purchase a hedge trimmer to provide the basic trimmed, manicured look?
Also, another issue to deal with before you plant a hedge or two is how they grow and whether you have to worry about invasive root systems. Some bushes and hedges are rather prolific like the ficus as they can literally take over a yard if you are not diligent about its pruning care and maintenance. Plant a hedge that is indigenous to your area and is easy to maintain in regards to watering, fertilizing and trimming and you will have an easy time doing your lawn work.
