Hedges and the Environment

With greater pressures facing the environment, the topic of environmental impact is becoming increasingly more relevant. As we strive to live in a more eco-friendly world, many of us are left wondering what we can do to do our bit for the environment. In this article, we will take a look into the benefits that planting hedges has on the environment and our beautiful planet.

What Are Hedges?

In its simplest definition, a hedge is a line of closely spaced shrubs planted in a way that forms a barrier usually to mark a boundary of an area. Hedges come in many different varieties and have many benefits such as attracting wildlife or for additional privacy.

Environmental Benefits from Hedging:

• Research has suggested that hedges are better than trees at soaking up air pollution among tall buildings. However, planting both is ultimately the best option (BBC News, 2017). It is also reported that hedges can cut exposure to air pollution by up to 50% (Air Quality News, 2019).
• Hedges can also help trap toxins at exhaust pipe level, therefore, reducing the direct exposure individuals have to harmful pollutants (BBC News, 2017). Some of the best hedges for filtering pollution include; Privet Hedges and Yew Hedges (Taxus baccata)
• When planted at roadsides, hedges also have the ability to reduce noise pollution (RHS)
• Hedges help wildlife avoid the extreme effects of climate change by providing shelter and new homes for species that may have lost their original habitats. Fact of the day – did you know that a thicker hedge will provide shelter for a distance roughly three times its height (DAERA, 2018). In addition to providing shade, hedges also provide transpirational air cooling (RHS)
• As well as providing habitats, hedges help protect nearby plants and also provide a source of nutrients and food for other wildlife (DAERA, 2018)
• Hedge plants and trees, in general, provides firm ground above their root plate which water infiltrates much faster (DAERA, 2018)
• Hedges can also reduce the risk of flooding (RHS)

Therefore, if you’re thinking of starting to plant hedge plants, then there is no better time to do so. Check out some of our wonderful hedge plants and why not take a greener stance and help the environment and its wildlife by planting something new today.