Technical


SOIL TEXTURE TRIANGLE


possible, as this will provide food and habitat for wildlife and safer for livestock”


representative of hedgerows in the surrounding area. Use of local native plant species is best, wherever


“Species chosen for the hedge should be


Choosing the correct species to suit the indigenous soil ...


left portion of the triangle. The boundaries of the soil texture classes are highlighted in bold lines. The intersection of the three sizes on the triangle give the texture class. For instance, if you have a soil with 20% clay, 60% silt and 20% sand, it falls in the ‘silt loam’ class.


The class of soil you have will govern what is required to help the plant survive until it establishes a good root structure. Sandy soils tend to dry out more readily and will need watering. A heavy clay soil will retain water. Your soil classification and the dominant parent material, for example clay or limestone, will also determine soil pH. Soil type and pH will also help to determine which plants are best suited for your site. If possible, get the preparation done


before the winter planting season - whilst the weather and soil is still warm. Irrigate dry soils copiously before any cultivation is carried out.


Species chosen for the hedge should be


representative of hedgerows in the surrounding area. Use of local native plant species is best, wherever possible, as this will provide food and habitat for wildlife, and are generally safer for livestock. When planting native species, ensure they have come from British grown stock. The hedgerow scheme will need to include details of how many of each species are to be planted.


Typical Rural Hedgerow Species Mix


MAIN MATRIX (Transplants/Quicks) 70% of planting stock Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)


INTERPLANT (Whips/Transplants) 30% of planting stock Hazel (Corylus avellana) Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Dog Rose (Rosa canina) Field Maple (Acer campestre) Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) Spindle (Euonymous europaeus) Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)


Hedging should be planted in two staggered rows at a density of not less than five per metre, with approximately 450mm between plants in the same row, and 300-400mm between rows. The interplant whips/transplants should be planted within this pattern in groups of two or three. The density of planting and distances between plants should be specified in the hedgerow scheme To improve the structure of the soil, incorporate generous quantities of compost, such as well-rotted garden compost, well-rotted farmyard manure, mushroom compost or composted bark. If the soil has poor drainage, add sharp sand or coarse grit (make sure it is lime- free). If the soil is heavy clay, take care


Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) 116 PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013


Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)


Hazel (Corylus avellana)


Holly (Ilex aquifolium)


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