Garden hedge question

[gonewiththegin]

We have a hedge either side of our garden and are wondering if should we install a fence in front of the hedge or go ahead and have them both removed before we erect a fence? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks

Doesn’t it depend on if you want to keel the hedge or not? And assuming you own it?

Yes the hedge is on our property, not joint with any neighbours or anything like that. Unsure if we want to keep the hedge as there are positives- mainly privacy but also a lot of upkeep which is wouldn’t be the case with a fence.

Hedges are vital for bird, insect and animal life!
As well as absorbing carbon. Pleasee consider keeping the hedge....

I don't see how a hedge needs anymore upkeep than a fence, I'm dreading having to paint our fence this year. I've had both and would pick a hedge every time besides the obvious advantages for wildlife.

Hedge will protect fence from wind damage

If you have a fence it'll look really bare without plants, so fence and pants is more effort overall.

If you want privacy hedges can go higher.....

Hedges are much nicer!

Some hedges are nicer! Leylandii or laurel doesn’t attract much wildlife. We have extensive beech hedges. They are trimmed every year. You don’t paint a fence every year! You do need to keep hedges in check or they become a nuisance. 2m is the standard height.

If they are leylandii or laurel, grub them up. Replace with a fence if you like or, better still, a mixed hedge.

I spent three days painting our fence a couple of weeks ago, in case that helps your decision. Our garden isn’t even very big, it just took forever.

We have hedges on both sides of garden and fences. I’m assuming previous owners wanted a little more privacy, the hedges are about 40cm shorter than the fences. since we’ve moved (December) we haven’t had to do anything to them (but of course I’m assuming they’ll need a good trim in the summer months).

@MojoMoon

Hedges are vital for bird, insect and animal life! As well as absorbing carbon. Pleasee consider keeping the hedge....

Agree with this. There's much more to consider than your own convenience. Please think this through.