Selecting and Planting Hedges Horticulture Selecting and Planting Hedges Hedges serve several functions in the home landscape.
Hedges provide privacy, screen-off undesirable views, reduce winds, and trap snows.
Hedges are commonly used to mark boundaries, direct pedestrian traffic, and as barriers. They also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Before purchasing plants, home gardeners should carefully consider their landscape needs and the characteristics of the various shrubs. For example, deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in the fall and are effective screens mainly during the growing season. Evergreens provide good screening all year.