[ScribbleUk]

Hi,

Our polytunnel and fledgling orchard took quite a battering this winter so we are keen to look at some options to provide a bit of shelter from the wind.  Both are protected by an existing field hedge on the North, but get a battering from all other sides. 

Any recommendations on hedging or trees that we could plant to provide a bit of shelter? 

Obviously need to be fairly fast growing to provide protection for next winter if possible, and not poisonous for farm animals or poultry.  Also needs a balance between decent height but not too much to block out the sun, particularly from the Polytunnel. 

Had looked at Willow trees but not sure of their effectiveness since they will loose their leaves in winter.  Also considered Leylandi (shock horror) since it is quick to establish and grow and is cheap.  Not worried about having to trim it back each year as we get our field hedges trimmed annually anyway.

Thanks.

[waddy]

Reports are that Leylandii can be poisonous so I would avoid these.


Helen

[spandit]

How about bamboo? Grows quick, evergreen and has useful canes

[lachlanandmarcus]

Tbh I would go for stakes with windbreak fabric,  willow and bamboo you have to choose variety carefully as they can both be very invasive.

[Fleecewife]

We had a similar problem here - exposed windy site.  Initially we put up 2m high windbreak netting (from LBS which you have to register with as a trade user to get good prices and bulk amounts.)  We used deer height stobs and big corner strainers.  At the same time we planted normal mixed wildlife hedging further back from the veg garden.  The windbreak disintegrated at about the same time as the hedges became effective - they are easy enough to trim back if they start to keep out the light.  So now we have tall stobs and wires to grow blackberry brambles along and a calmer microclimate 

[ScribbleUk]

I've received some alternatives to leylandi - western red cedar, beech and Lonicera Nitida.  Any experience with these?

I like the idea of netting then planting a hedge.  Instant solution but longer term view as well, only problem is increased cost

[ferretkeeper]

Don't quote me but I don't think any of those are particularly fast growing...we're planning a new hedge/windbreak/shelter belt type affair and will be using willow in the main, to help with our wet soil, and a mixture of productive hedgerow plants for homebrew/foraging/coppicing etc. We will include some alder because it also copes with wet soil and fixes nitrogen, and will produce some useful firewood and willow for weaving etc.

Willow is a pioneer species and will grow extremely well in most places - it needs ground cover material (silage sheet or similar) to really get away well in the first year, it dislikes any competition. Unfortunately now isn't the time to plant (unless you get the plugs mentioned before) so we'll be laying silage sheet in the coming months ready to plant sticks in winter.

A bonus with willow is that it's quite open, but it will provide a bit of shade for the polytunnel in summer when in full leaf then in the winter it's leaves will drop allowing more light in when the tunnel needs it. Also that's the time to cut it if needs be, not in the height of summer when we're already really busy!

One thing to bear in mind with planting hedges near orchards is you need to avoid using the same species as the apple/pear trees because fireblight can be spread from the hedge to the trees - so hawthorn, blackthorn, roses are out. There are plenty of other hedgerow plants you can use instead but you'd need to specify that if you were buying say a mixed hedgerow pack from a nursery.

The windbreak netting is a good idea, it'll help keep livestock off as well... we've left some knackered old horse fencing up to protect the area we'll be planting, we will stock fence the rest of the perimeter and may use netting across the most exposed parts.

HTH
Helen