Hedge laying is always carried out in the Winter months while the sap is down.
To start with the hedge layer clears the hedge of all rubbish such as deadwood, ivy and old fencing.
The bottom of the hedge is cleared as much as is practicable to allow the Sun in to encourage as many new shoots as possible.
Each individual tree is then pruned of large side branches and top heavy material. When this has been done the laying may begin.
At the base of the trunk the hedge layer cuts into the stem at an angle until the remaining part of the stem is flexible enough to cut down. These stems or trunks are called pleachers (before and after laying).
Whilst laying the hedge the hedge layer bangs in stakes (coppiced hazel) at 18 inch intervals along the line of the hedge. The pleachers are laid into the stakes and as much as possible are woven into them. The brush is placed one side or the other of the hedge sometimes both depending on the style of hedge being utilised.
After the hedge has been laid binders or hethers are woven along the top of the stakes to keep the hedgerow solid in a continual flow and to prevent wind damage. | |
