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Hedges are often used as privacy screens from the prying eyes of neighbours. In order for them to grow quickly and opaque, they need regular pruning and, of course, appropriate nutrients in the form of hedge fertilizer.

In a nutshell

  • required ingredients are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
  • fertilize organically with compost, horn shavings and co
  • Use blue grain and Epsom salt as mineral fertilizer

supply of nutrients

Not only regular pruning and watering are necessary for the growth of hedges, but also appropriate nutrients. Especially fast-growing and evergreen hedge plants have a very high nutrient requirement. Since hedge plants cannot absorb all the nutrients from the soil, they must be administered in the form of hedge fertilizers that contain the required ingredients. The composition of these fertilizers is important. The main components should always be nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are known as so-called NPK fertilizers. Essential ingredients are therefore:

  • Nitrogen for leaf growth, protein formation and chlorophyll production (leaf pigment)
  • Phosphorus for seed and flower formation, for healthy growth and for energy transfer
  • Potassium to regulate the water balance, increase resistance, protect against diseases, strengthen the
    tissue
  • Magnesium as the central building block of chlorophyll
privet hedge

In addition, various mineral trace elements such as boron, iron and cobalt are necessary for healthy growth. The nutrients are transported with the water into the meridians of the hedge plants and from there to the appropriate places.

Notice: If the nutrients or required ingredients are given correctly, the growth of the hedge is promoted, which is particularly important for hedges that have not yet reached the desired height and width.

Which hedge fertilizer to use?

Not only the right time for fertilizing is important, but also the type of fertilizer. The required ingredients must be taken into account. In other words, the hedge fertilizer must have the right composition of nutrients. It is also important how quickly these can be released and absorbed by the plants. According to the origin of the fertilizer, a distinction is made between:

Organic hedge fertilizer

This consists of plant and animal substances, mostly waste products from agriculture. After application, the fertilizer must first be decomposed by microorganisms living in the soil before the required ingredients can be absorbed by the plants. These nutrients are gradually released over a longer period of time. A single fertilization in the spring is sufficient. Alternatively, the fertilizer can also be applied in autumn. Decomposition then takes place in the winter months and the nutrients are available to the plants in the spring. Over-fertilization with the hedge fertilizer is not possible. In addition, the soil fertility and the water retention capacity of the soil are improved and the formation of humus is increased.

horn meal/horn shavings

  • Made from hooves and horns of slaughtered animals
  • contain 85% organic substances
  • primary supply of phosphate and nitrogen
  • Horn meal works faster
  • Horn shavings better long-term effect
  • Combination with mineral fertilizers possible
horn shavings

compost

  • contain a high proportion of organic substances and nutrients
  • good soil conditioner
  • easily incorporated into the soil
  • very suitable for boxwood, thuja and privet

Notice: Compost as a hedge fertilizer changes the pH of the soil. It becomes slightly alkaline. This makes it unsuitable for holly, rhododendron and cypress.

cattle and horse manure

  • commercially available in pellet form
  • Long-term effect up to six months
  • activates soil life
  • optimal supply of nutrients
  • fresh manure must rot six months before use

Bark mulch & Co

  • alternative use of leaves and lawn clippings
  • additional source of phosphate and magnesium
  • Apply bark mulch 2 to 5 cm layer
  • Lawn clippings no higher than 2 cm

Notice: When using bark mulch, work horn shavings into the soil beforehand, as the microorganisms remove nitrogen from the soil when they decompose the bark mulch.

coffee grounds

  • organic fertilizer substitute
  • contains potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus
  • lowers the pH of the soil
  • just work it into the ground

Mineral hedge fertilizers

These are industrially produced nutrient salts that are water-soluble. They are rich in nitrate, phosphate and potassium. The nutrients are available to the plants immediately after administration, but are only effective in the short term. The use is optimal in existing deficiency symptoms. However, over-fertilization of the plants is quickly possible here. The salts dissolve quickly in the soil, but should be used very sparingly. It is better to fertilize again during the growth phase if necessary. When using mineral fertilizers, you should also bear in mind that they quickly wash out of the soil and thus get into the groundwater. Preferred mineral hedge fertilizers are:

blue grain

  • so-called complete fertilizer
  • commercially available under the name Nitrophoska
  • contains all the necessary nutrients for growth
  • fast supply of the plants
  • simply scatter and work lightly into the soil
  • alternatively dissolve in water and pour
  • dose sparingly
  • rapid overdose possible
  • not very environmentally friendly

Epsom salt

  • correct name magnesium sulfate
  • contains 16% magnesium and 13% sulphur
  • use specifically in case of magnesium deficiency
  • effective immediately
  • especially good for coniferous hedges
  • good to sprinkle
  • then work it lightly into the soil
  • alternatively put in the irrigation water
  • foliar fertilization is also possible, especially if there is a magnesium deficiency
  • to do this, dissolve salt in water
  • sprinkle leaves
  • there direct nutrient uptake

Notice: If the hedge fertilizer used does not contain Epsom salt or magnesium as a component, you can also mix Epsom salt into the fertilizer.

garden lime

The use can improve soil fertility, water retention capacity and air and heat circulation in the soil. In addition, the soil has a fine, crumbly structure, which improves nutrient digestion. It can be used all year round, but spring is ideal. However, before you lime the floor, you should use a test stick to check whether lime needs to be added. Instead of garden lime, crushed egg shells can also be lightly worked into the top layer of soil. These ensure an alkaline environment.

frequently asked Questions

When should hedges be fertilized?

In principle, fertilizer should always be applied during the growth phase, i.e. before new growth occurs in March to August. This is where the nutrient requirement is highest. Fertilizers should no longer be used in autumn, as the newly expelled wood will no longer mature and harden until winter, and then severe frost damage will occur.

How often do hedges need to be fertilized each year?

Usually once a year is sufficient. However, it depends on the fertilizer type. Mineral fertilizers dissolve very quickly, have no long-term effect. If necessary, it can be fertilized. On the other hand, fertilizing with organic fertilizers in March is sufficient, as the effect lasts for a long time.

Should you fertilize right after planting?

It depends on. It is not necessary when using container plants, as they are supplied with slow-release fertilizer. On the other hand, bare-rooted plants can tolerate a gift. Simply mix potting soil with mature compost and horn shavings. Do not use mineral fertilizers. This can lead to root damage.

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Garden design