The familiar chequered-pattern landscape of fields divided by hedges dates from circa 17 th century when hedgerows were planted to contain and restrict the movement of cattle and other livestock. Hawthorn was planted as the most popular hedging -plant because of its ability to form a dense, stockproof hedge in a short space of time. Hedgerows are an important reservoir for deciduous trees since Ireland has so little woodland. Sapling trees commonly sprout from hedges, especially Ash, Beech, Oak and Sycamore. Trees enrich our lives by absorbing carbon dioxde and giving us oxygen to breathe.
Trees help filter dust and pollution.
A row of trees can reduce street dust by one quarter. Trees make our landscape more interesting. Trees provide timber for building, paper-making and fuel. Since the original hedge planting, other trees and shrubs have colonised the hedgerows giving great diversity. Tree and Shrub species include Ash, Blackthorn, Elm, Gorse, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly and Willow.