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February is a good month to be working on hedges. In fact, it is the last one until the autumn. Work can begin again in September.
I am writing this on a rather damp and miserable day.
However, on a bright and crisp day it is a pleasure to be out and keeping fit and warm, either laying, coppicing or planting a hedge. For some strange reason hedge planting is not included in GLAS .
A satisfying job
Hedge laying is slow, but is most satisfying.
If the inspector should call, he will not be too critical of your efforts. If you can do a short course on the basics, it would be a good idea.
The Hedge Laying Association of Ireland were running courses. However, its website looks as though it has not been updated recently. Jamestown Nature Reserve will run a short one-day course in the autumn and more if the demand is there.
If a hedge has “escaped” and is very tall and tree-like with many gaps, the only answer is to coppice and plant up the gaps. Cut the remaining bushes to about six inches from the ground at a slight angle. It is difficult to replant into these types of hedges, but we have succeeded.
Loosen up the soil and preferably put some good compost in the planting hole. Then do not let grass overwhelm the new plants.
Top tips
As to hedge laying, start on a short stretch. A few basic thoughts. Always lay uphill. The usual mistake is to make the cut too high up. It has to be near ground level.
Cut the stem at the base about three quarters through in a downward direction, and then bend over the stem gradually. Expect some mistakes, such as the stem breaking right off.
As regards required tools for hedge laying, you will need a good handsaw such as a Silky Zubat. These are fantastic and far better than a Bushman.
Then also a hedge laying billhook. There are lots of different designs and weights. These days, the job can be considerably speeded up with a small chainsaw. We use both a small petrol one and a battery powered one.
You can add a few other items such as welding gloves, mallet, slash hook and a safety helmet with a mesh visor.
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