The first step when planting a hedgerow is to source the correct plants. Only whitethorn, blackthorn and-or holly plants can be used for GLAS. Producers of these plants are registered and inspected by the Department of Agriculture to ensure they are free of diseases. To check if your supplier is properly registered, you should either email plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or call 01-505 8885. Participants should ensure they retain the plant passport that accompanied the plants on purchase for the duration of the GLAS contract.

Ian McGarry from Caragh Nurseries says the best time to plant a hedge is in the middle of the dormant season before the ground starts to dry up. To sow plants he uses a spade. The simple planting method requires two incisions in the ground. The first involves cutting a slit in the direction shown above, left. The second involves inserting the spade at right angles to the original incision and pushing the spade handle down to break open the sod as shown above, right. The plant can be inserted here. The ground is firmed around the roots by foot. All the plants remain in the plastic bag to help avoid exposure to air prior to planting. Some contractors cultivate the soil prior to planting and work in well-rotted manure to encourage growth. For GLAS, six plants per metre must be sown in a double-staggered row. There should be 330mm between rows and 330mm between plants. A 200m length of hedgerow should have at least 1,200 plants. Ian says whitethorn plants cost 60c each and planting costs 40c to 50c depending on the site.

After planting, management is very important. Catherine Keena from Teagasc says pruning is essential when the plants are sown. She says to cut whitethorn hedges back to 75mm. Pruning encourages the plant to produce multiple shoots at ground level. This will lead to a better and denser hedge.

To improve the chances of having a dense base in the hedge in the future, weed control is crucial. Catherine says plastic is by far the best approach to weed control for new hedges. “After pruning the new plants to 75mm, roll a 4ft wide strip of pit silage plastic over the pruned stubs and push the stubs through the plastic,” she said. Remember to leave a few whitethorns unpruned to grow into mature trees within the hedge. The wider the area the plastic covers around the base of the hedge, the better to prevent grass encroaching. Pruning and plastic together are key to good hedge establishment.

The Department specifications for GLAS says all newly planted hedges, whether planted in a grass or tillage field, must be fenced off and protected from livestock from the time the hedge is planted. However, where the newly planted hedgerow bounds a private laneway, public road or watercourse, fencing is not required on the laneway-road or water body side as long as the hedge is not being damaged by livestock. The fence must be stock-proof and fit for purpose. Sheep fencing is required if sheep are grazing the area but where only cattle are grazing, one strand of electric fencing may suffice. In some cases, rabbit-proof fencing may be needed – two strands of electric fencing, 6in to 18in above ground level. Plants that fail to grow should be replaced. Catherine says to prune whitethorn back to 75mm every year above previous level of cut and gradually shape the hedge into a triangular profile.