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Note: The most up to date specifications are available on the dedicated ACRES / ACRES CP website under Non Productive Investments – Click Link Here
Planting New Hedges:
Enhancing field boundaries for biodiversity and landscape connectivity, blocks flow pathways from Critical Source Areas to Watercourses.
1. Plant a new Whitethorn hedge. You can include other native tree species if you want.
2. Protect the new hedge from livestock, deer, and hares with a suitable fence and/ or tree guards
3. Replace failed plants the following winter
4. Control competing vegetation for the first few years until the young hedge has established.
5. Keep receipts and invoices for the hedging plants.
Protect from Deer and Livestock, control competing vegetation for the first 3 years.
Additional guidance
• It is recommended to plant a mix of at least 3 species from the Hedgerow species outlined in Table 4. below. No one species should make up more than 85% of the total. If hedgerow species other than Whitethorn cannot be sourced, then plant one tree at least every 30m from the Tree Species (Table 5 below) and let mature without cutting and protect with a tree guard or shelter. Plant native species that already grow in the local area.
• Prepare the ground along a 1.5m wide strip to provide good soil conditions and as little
competition from other vegetation as possible.
• Take care of roots before planting by keeping them always covered, especially when it is sunny or windy avoiding opening more than one bag of plants at a time and water regularly until planted.
• Where a hedge is being planted to intercept the flow of water along a pathway between a critical source area and a watercourse you should create a bund/ berm/ bank at least 1m wide and 30cm high. Plant the hedge on the downslope side of the new bank.
• If you want a hedgerow with a wide base that will always be managed by topping, prune thorn species (except Holly) down to 3 to 5 cm with a sloping cut to leave a sharp point. In subsequent years, carry out a second pruning after the first growing season. This should be done when the plants are dormant during the winter period. Repeat the process again after the second growing season by cutting each of the stems (except Holly) back down approximately 3cm above the previous cut. This will help achieve a dense bushy growth at the base. Compostable film or plastic will be essential for controlling competing vegetation in nutrient rich areas.
• Whitethorn and Holly do not tolerate very wet soils and whitethorn will not thrive at high elevations. Blackthorn is more suited to heavy soils and for coastal exposed sites. Take note of what hedge and tree species are thriving in hedgerows in the locality. If planting a hedgerow to help reduce overland flow, ensure the hedgerow will not be flooded or become overwhelmed in heavy rain events. Planting further up a slope or on a slightly raised bund may be an option to consider.
• Take great care using a strimmer to control competing vegetation as the young hedge can be seriously damaged.
• The fence may need to be moved out further as the hedgerow grows and expands.
Good Locations:
Poor Locations:
Additional Guidance is available on the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Specifications for Non Productive Investments.
Why is it recommended to cut the plants down after planting them?
The tops are cut of young hedging plants to encourage multiple growing tips. This will encourage the young trees to grow into a thicker more stockproof hedge.
Can I use a strimmer to cut grass beside the new hedge?
Using strimmers to control competing vegetation is a very high risk approach. Strimmers could damage or kill the young trees. Try mulching or hand pulling to control competing grasses in the first couple of years after planting.
