Pleaching is a gardening technique that has been around for hundreds of years. It involves growing trees or hedges in a specific way to create a visual effect. By pruning and training the young plants, they can be formed into a framework that is designed to create something spectacular.
When deciding on which plants to use for pleaching, it is best to choose deciduous species such as Carpinus or Tilia. These types of plants work great for pleaching because their branches thicken slowly and they already have a naturally flat leaved structure.
Pleaching is a great way to add privacy to your garden. By planting hedges that have been pruned and formed into pleached shapes, you can create a barrier that not only provides privacy but also adds visual interest. Pleaching also works well in creating a sense of direction in your garden. By pleaching a row of trees or hedges in direct lines, you can guide the eye and create a focus point.
When starting a pleaching project, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose young plants from a nursery that already have a strong root system. These plants will be able to withstand the stresses of pleaching and will have a better chance of survival. Second, plant your trees or hedges in a position that allows for maximum sunlight. This will ensure that they grow strong and healthy. Finally, make sure to give your pleached plants the care they need. Prune them regularly and provide the necessary nutrients to promote growth.
In winter, when the leaves have fallen, is the best time to start pleaching. During this time, the plants are dormant and can be easily shaped and formed into the desired frame. However, pleaching can also be done during the summer months, though it may take longer for the plants to form the desired shape.
In conclusion, pleaching is a technique that has been used for years to create stunning hedges and trees. It involves pruning and training young plants into a framework that can add privacy and visual interest to your garden. If done correctly and with care, pleaching can create a truly spectacular effect.
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Source: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-is-pleaching.htm
How to Pleach
Pleaching is a technique used by gardeners to create beautiful hedges and trees. By carefully training and pruning the branches, pleaching creates a stunning effect that can transform any garden or landscape into a visual paradise. If you’re a gardening enthusiast looking to try your hand at pleaching, here are some tips to help you get started.
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Choose the Best Species When it comes to pleaching, choosing the right species is key. The best species for pleaching are those that have flexible branches and respond well to regular pruning. One of the most popular species for pleaching is the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). It is a fast-growing deciduous tree that forms a dense and uniform hedge. Other species that work well for pleaching include evergreen trees such as yew (Taxus baccata) and boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). |
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Create a Framework Before you start pleaching, it’s important to create a framework for your hedge or tree. This framework consists of strong horizontal lines between vertical supports, usually wooden stakes or wires. The framework provides support for the pleached branches and helps them grow in a straight and uniform manner. Make sure to space the horizontal lines evenly and at the desired height. |
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Pleach in Winter The best time to pleach is during the winter months when the trees or hedges are dormant. During this time, the branches are easier to work with and are less likely to suffer from damage. However, if you’re working with evergreen species, you can pleach them during other times of the year as well. |
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Weave and Train Pleaching involves weaving and training the branches to create the desired shape and structure. Start by selecting the longest and most flexible branches and gently bend them into place along the framework. Use garden twine or soft ties to secure the branches in position. As the branches grow, continue to weave and train them into the desired pattern, always being mindful of maintaining an even and symmetrical appearance. |
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Regular Pruning Once the pleached branches have reached the desired height and shape, it’s important to continue with regular pruning to maintain their form. Prune any excessive growth and maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Regular pruning will also encourage the formation of new growth, ensuring that your pleached hedge or tree remains healthy and attractive. |
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Screening and Privacy Pleached hedges and trees are not only visually striking but also serve functional purposes such as screening and privacy. Their dense and uniform growth provides an effective barrier against noise and wind. When choosing a species for pleaching, consider its suitability for screening purposes. Species like the hornbeam and yew are particularly good choices for creating a visually pleasing screen. |
So, if you’re looking to bring elegance and beauty to your garden, pleaching is a technique worth exploring. With careful selection of species, proper training, and regular maintenance, you can create stunning pleached hedges and trees that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
What Is Pleaching Tips On Pleaching Hedges And Trees
Pleaching is a term used to describe the process of training trees or hedges to form a framework or frame. This technique has been used for centuries and is popular for creating beautiful, regular lines of foliage.
For those who have smaller spaces, pleaching can be a great way to have hedges and trees in their yard without taking up too much space. It works especially well with deciduous trees, such as Tilia (Lime) or Carpinus (Hornbeam), as their leaved branches can be trained into elegant lines.
The care for pleaching is relatively simple. To establish a pleached hedge or tree, it is best to plant young plants that are about 3-4 years old. Before planting, the nursery or garden centre will have trained the young trees, so they are ready to be pleached.
When it comes to positioning, it is important to choose a suitable spot with enough room for the framework to grow. A sunny position is best for most pleaching trees and hedges, as they need plenty of light to thicken and grow.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and structure of the pleached plants. While spring is the best time to prune deciduous plants, you can also prune in winter if necessary. Use sharp shears and make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plants.
Pleached hedges and trees can serve multiple purposes in your garden. They can provide a stunning architectural feature, act as a privacy screen, or be used to create a front frame for your garden. The possibilities are endless!
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| Pleached trees in a garden | Pleached hedge in a formal setting |
Using pleaching techniques can transform your outdoor space into a green paradise. With a little care and regular maintenance, your pleached hedges and trees will provide privacy, beauty, and structure for many years to come.
What is Pleaching
Pleaching is a spectacular way to create a living screen or hedge in your home garden. This technique has been used for hundreds of years and involves training young trees, such as hornbeam or beech, onto a framework to create a dense and formal hedge. The branches are pruned and woven in a way that they fuse together, creating a solid and evergreen wall of foliage.
The process of pleaching starts with selecting the right type of trees that will grow well in your area. Common choices include hornbeam, beech, and tilia. Once the trees are chosen, they are planted in a row close to each other. In the following years, the branches are gently bent and tied to the framework, using shears to maintain the desired shape.
Pleaching is not only a functional method for privacy and screening, but is also an aesthetic addition to any garden. The carefully pruned and shaped hedges can provide a unique focal point, especially when they are used to frame a front entrance or abutting a wall.
One of the main advantages of pleaching is that it allows the gardener to create a dense and formal hedge in a relatively small space. The pleached hedges can be used to create alleys, arches, or even beautiful living walls. These structures can be a great addition to any garden, providing privacy, shade, and a sense of tranquility.
Another benefit of pleaching is that it can be used to thicken existing hedges or trees. By carefully training the branches onto a frame, new growth can be directed to areas that need more coverage, filling in gaps and creating a more uniform and lush appearance.
In addition to their aesthetic value, pleached hedges also provide practical benefits. They can act as a windbreak, protecting more delicate plants from strong gusts. They can also help to reduce noise pollution, making your garden a peaceful oasis. In winter, the dense foliage of pleached hedges can serve as a shelter for birds, attracting species like robins and providing them with a safe place to rest.
Overall, pleaching is a traditional gardening technique that can be used to create stunning and functional structures in your home garden. With proper care and maintenance, your pleached hedge will thrive and provide years of enjoyment. So, whether you are looking to create a formal entrance or a peaceful garden screen, pleaching is a great option to consider.
