I have to admit, the life of a medieval woodsman appeals to me. Enjoying a cup of tea brewed fire-side, after a long but rewarding day of building dead hedges, hedge laying or producing various coppice crafts. Then retiring to a cozy caravan parked up beneath the stars. Traveling the countryside and living close to the earth in rhythm with the seasons. It sounds so lovely.
But I digress, it’s not the life of a woodsperson that I wanted to discuss today. It’s the way that landscapes were designed and adapted in ancient times (such as agroforesty systems). And, how some people (including us) are still using the same low tech methods to great effect today. So, let’s dive in with a look at Dead Hedges (aka Benjes or Dry Hedges).
A dead hedge, also known as a dead wood hedge, is an eco-friendly type of fence made from tree branches, twigs, and other plant debris Unlike a traditional wooden or wire fence, a dead hedge provides food and shelter for wildlife while recycling yard waste If you want to add rustic charm, privacy, and wildlife habitat to your landscape, learning how to make a dead hedge is a fun DIY project that’s easy on your wallet.
What Exactly is a Dead Hedge?
A dead hedge consists of a tightly packed row of brushwood and pruned branches from trees and shrubs. The hedge is held in place by upright wooden poles along its perimeter. As the name suggests, the plant material used to build a dead hedge is no longer living. However, once built, the hedge attracts living creatures of all kinds. Birds snuggle into its nooks and crannies, while beneficial insects like bees and butterflies stop by to sip nectar from flowers growing nearby. Dead hedges are teeming with life!
Unlike a meticulously pruned hedge made from boxwood or privet dead hedges have an intentionally wild informal look. They can be built in any length or height to suit your landscape needs. Use dead hedges to define garden spaces, provide a windbreak, or boost privacy. Their casually unkempt appearance lends a naturalistic feel to gardens of any style.
Benefits of Installing a Dead Hedge on Your Property
There are lots of great reasons to try building a dead hedge:
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Cost-effective. Dead hedges are virtually free to construct when you use fallen branches and trimmings pulled from your own yard. At most, you may need to buy a few wooden poles for structure.
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Eco-friendly Repurposing plant debris reduces waste sent to landfills As the dead hedge gradually decomposes, nutrients are returned to the soil.
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Low-maintenance. No trimming or watering required! Dead hedges need little care once built.
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Good for wildlife. Dead hedges create excellent habitat for all sorts of birds, pollinators, and small mammals.
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Visually appealing. The woven textures and neutral colors of dead hedges add interest to spaces of all kinds.
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Provides privacy. A tall dead hedge planted along a property line or around a private seating area blocks views.
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Makes use of yard waste. Pruned stems and fallen branches can be tucked into dead hedges instead of thrown away.
Choosing the Best Location
When selecting where to install your dead hedge, consider these factors:
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Sunlight. Areas receiving at least 6 hours of sun daily are ideal, as sunlight helps dry out plant material.
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Purpose. Decide if you want the hedge for privacy, delineating a garden bed, adding a windbreak, or another aim.
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Soil. Avoid low, wet sites. Well-drained soil is best so the hedge won’t rot.
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Access. Pick a spot you can access easily for construction and maintenance.
Leave at least 1-2 feet of space between the dead hedge and other permanent structures like fences or gardens. This makes weaving stems easier.
How to Build a Dead Hedge: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to DIY a dead hedge for your yard:
Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
- Pruned branches and twigs
- Fallen wood debris
- 5-6 foot wooden poles or stakes
Collect prunings over time so you have a large amount on hand before building. Choose sticks 1⁄4-3 inches in diameter.
Install Support Poles
Space poles/stakes about every 3-5 feet along the planned hedge line. Pound them 2 feet into the ground. Having two staggered rows of poles makes for a sturdier hedge.
Weave in Plant Material
Start by layering large branches between the poles in a criss-cross pattern. Fill gaps by tucking in smaller twigs and stems. Compact each layer as you build upwards.
Finish the Structure
Keep adding debris until the hedge reaches desired height. Pack tightly between poles so materials won’t fall out over time.
Maintain the Hedge
Inspect periodically. Add fresh trimmings as needed to replace decaying plant matter. Install new poles if existing ones rot.
And that’s it! With just a few simple tools and recycled plant debris, you can craft a rustic dead hedge to enhance your landscape. Maintain your hedge by tucking in fresh trimmings whenever you prune shrubs and trees. The more you add, the thicker the hedge will become. Get creative with shapes and textures as you incorporate different plant materials over time.
Design Inspiration for Dead Hedges
Beyond a straight line, dead hedges can be built in all sorts of interesting shapes. Here are some ideas:
- Circular hedge around a fire pit or seating area
- Freeform hedge following property lines or garden edges
- Wavy or zig-zag hedge for visual interest
- Sections of hedge dividing distinct garden “rooms”
- Low hedge bordering a flower bed or walkway
Mix up plant materials for varied colors and textures:
- Twigs with peeling bark for winter interest
- Light birch branches for brightness
- Twisting vines and flexible stems
- Large fallen branches as base structure
- Bushy evergreen clippings for fullness
Got a cluttered corner or eyesore you want to disguise? A dead hedge is a perfect solution! Use it to neatly conceal any outdoor elements like water tanks, electrical boxes, or unsightly fences.
Plants to Use – And Avoid – In Dead Hedges
Nearly any type of woody yard waste can be recycled into a dead hedge. Good options include:
- Fallen branches
- Shrub prunings
- Brushy weeds like blackberry canes
- Tree trimmings
- Vines
- Bark peeled from logs
Avoid using:
- Plants prone to re-sprouting, like sumac
- Rot-resistant wood like cedar
- Invasive weeds
- Diseased plant parts
- Poisonous plants
It’s fine to include a few leaves, pine needles, and other biodegradable debris. But use stemmy material as the bulk of the hedge so it remains sturdy.
Caring for Your Dead Hedge
Dead hedges require minimal care once built. Follow these tips to keep yours looking great:
- Inspect it yearly. Repair any gaps or damage.
- Add fresh trimmings as the original materials decompose.
- Install new poles if old ones rot or become loose.
- Pull weeds, especially from the hedge’s base.
- Water during drought to accelerate decomposition.
- Reshape as needed to maintain its form.
Plan to rebuild or replace dead hedges every 4-6 years as the woody materials break down. The decomposing plant matter will enrich your garden soil!
Enjoy the Benefits!
Now that you know how to DIY a dead hedge for your yard, it’s time to start collecting materials and planning this easy, eco-friendly project. A dead hedge makes excellent use of plant debris destined for the compost pile or landfill. Installing one is a double win for your garden and the environment!
What’s a Dead Hedge?
In short, a Dead Hedge is barrier made with yard waste. It’s a way to bundle, weave and twist all of your branches and twigs into a hedge-like structure.
Historically, they were a way to utilize the biomass from cleared land to mark its boundaries. A low cost, low technology way to keep animals and riff-raff out (or in the case of livestock also sometimes in).
It often went hand-in-hand with coppicing. After the copse wood was harvested for building, fuel and crafts (like basketry and furniture making), the waste was gathered to construct a dead hedge that protected the area until the next harvest.
As you can imagine, their construction and visuals varied greatly depending on the material used and regional preferences. Thick and imposing structures might incorporate thorny brambles as a way to say, stay out. While, a simple bundle of twisted twigs or woven willow could provide a visual reminder more akin to, please walk around.
How to Build a Dead Hedge With Garden Waste
FAQ
What is the purpose of a dead hedge?
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UGAhttps://site.extension.uga.eduBuilding a Dead Hedge- Enhance Your Garden with a Unique Winter Project | Dig Into DeKalb County
How to build a dead edge?
Ideally, use straight lengths of branch, 3 to 5cm diameter, cut from the garden. If possible cut a point to the end and hammer into the ground in two opposite rows about 45 to 60cm apart and at 1 to 1.5m spacings between stakes along each row. Alternatively, you can use simple wooden garden stakes to get started.
How long will a dead hedge last?
Less effort, better results. Unlike a pile of ashes, the hedge feels like something lasting. I’ve read that you can expect a dead hedge to last 3-5 years, but I’ve decided that is nonsensical internet echo chamber information. The reality is that this is something that we will continue to add to over the years.
How to create a hedge quickly?
- Choose a Fast-Growing Variety. The number one factor affecting the speed a hedge grows is the species you’re growing. …
- Get Your Soil Right. …
- Plant Your Hedge Correctly. …
- Use Mulch. …
- Water Your Hedge. …
- Pruning Your Hedge.
How to make a dead hedge fence?
To create a dead hedge fence, start by selecting the right branches. Choose flexible branches that are easy to work with. Look for thicker branches for better support. Deciduous trees like willow or hazel are great choices. Ensure the branches are not too dry. Freshly cut branches will last longer. For the job, gather these essential tools:
What is a dead hedge?
Photo: 14GTR, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons A dead hedge is a simple, fence-like structure made of twigs, woody vines, and other plant material woven between vertical branches or stakes to create an inexpensive garden fence.
How do you build a dead hedge?
Dead hedges can be built in a straight line to follow the perimeter of your garden, or they can be constructed in curves, circles, or other fun shapes. Typically, hedges stretch between 3 and 5 feet tall and can be as long as needed. Here’s how to build a basic dead hedge: Step 1: Prepare the site. Select a flat location and clear away large rocks.
Are Dead hedges easy to make?
Dead hedges are dead easy to make. You can use either a single or a double row of uprights when making one. A single row will give a more lightweight or informal structure and is quicker to set up. However, it can be harder to keep the brash in place unless you have lengthy branches that will span three or four posts.
How big should a dead hedge be?
Decide how long you want it to be. Dead hedges can make great windbreakers around vegetable patches, flower beds or seating areas. When marking out the area with string, note that the hedge should be at least 12 inches (18cm) wide, but can be as wide as 20 inches (50cm) wide. Build the frame of the fence from two rows of upright wooden stakes.
How do you cut a dead hedge?
Now, take thicker branches and twigs that are too bulky for your dead hedge and cut them to your preferred length and shape. This can vary depending on the size of your deadwood hedge. A STIHL GTA 26 garden pruner is the most suitable tool for this. Larger branches for the dead hedge are cut to size. 6. Layer up the dead hedge