Planting stock for hedges should be thrifty, healthy and uniform. Young trees or shrubs are preferable for hedge planting. Early spring planting is best for hedges in the Rocky Mountain region. Careful pruning is necessary to produce desired shape and density. Properly pruned hedges should be slightly narrower at top than bottom to prevent shading out of lower branches.
Selection Base the choice of planting stock on the health and thriftiness of plants.
Stock should be free from Insects and disease. Some dealers may offer special hedge materials at bargain prices, but such plants often are stunted and culled from regular nursery stock. Though they may be inexpensive, they are a poor investment. Use only normal, well-grown plants for hedges. They should be of similar size, shape, root development and foliage color, because their uniformity influences the appearance of the ultimate hedge to a considerable extent.