By hedge, people quickly think of a tightly clipped Taxus, Liguster or beech hedge as a partition in the backyard. The primary function of a hedge is defined as follows: ‘a linear element which forms a partition so as to indicate a boundary or to provide privacy’. However, hedge plants can be used much more widely in various projects. Think, for example, of a combination of hedge plants, shrubs and mature trees as a green noise barrier between the main road and a neighbouring residential area; or to create sightlines in parks and gardens.

Hedge plants play an important role in the life cycle of various birds, insects and small mammals. Densely pruned hedges are the ideal breeding place for many of our garden birds. In addition, continuous hedge plants form a network for different species of bees, so that they can travel from A to B out of sight of predators. Dozens of insects and spiders live in the hedge plants, thereby serving as a source of food for birds.