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. Trees should be planted from the beginning of November until the end of March when the tree is dormant. Avoid planting of trees in periods of cold drying winds or when the ground is water-logged.