In the eastern bobwhite range, a planted hedgerow may be composed of autumn olive, bicolor lespedeza, wild plum, wild rose bushes, briars, vines, trees, or a mixture of these. In the midwest, a hedgerow may contain warm season bunch grasses in addition to bushes. In Texas a hedgerow may contain species such as mesquite, skunkbrush, various acacia species, and warm season bunchgrasses. In all cases, a good hedgerow provides both food and cover. Natural hedgerows often arise along fence lines.
Birds are the best hedgerow builders.
As they perch on fence lines they will often deposit seeds that have gone through their digestive system and are still viable and ready to germinate. This is an aggravation to a rancher or farmer who is trying to keep fences clean and well maintained but it is a plus for wildlife. Old abandoned or neglected fence rows will grow into excellent hedgerows given enough time. Often there is not enough vegetation in a hedgerow. The hedgerow could be a fence line that has had grazing or mowing next to it on a regular basis.