how do you speed up hedge growth?

Question

I planted some hedges around the perimeter of the house last year and the don't seem to grow too fast.. How can I speed them up?

Also I have hedges that were planted a few years ago and the bottom has become dry and brow as well as some sides... how can I bring them back to a full green and full shape?

I'm looking for a product to make them healthy or some tips to keep them in good shape. OTHER THAN TRIMMING. They are conifers

Answer 1

If they haven't started growing they are probably still in root shock. Did you use a transplant liquid when you planted them? I always recommend it--it does make a big difference. If you didn't get some at a L&G Center and mix it and pour about 2 gal on each shrub. You only have to do it once. The 2 I know about are Root'n'Gro by Bonide and Plant Starter by Ortho.

Once they do start growing you don't want to force them too much because they will be weak and spindly.

Answer 2

You don't want to force too much top growth (and not enough root development) because you'll end up with weak plants.

Conifers generally grow more slowly than deciduous plants, so you may be looking at years... regardless of what you do... before they are large, thick and full. Once the evergreens are in the ground for about three years you can really increase the fertilization... until then patients. Use a granular fertilizer like ESPOMA 'treetone' or 'hollytone' on them. Once they've hit the three year mark, begin using a water soluble fertilizer every other week (follow the directions on the package) choose a fertilizer higher in nitrogen (the first number on the package). An example of that sort of fertilizer is Mir-Acid. Ask at your local independent garden center for their recommendation.

I'm concerned about the dried bottom areas. Bring some samples or a picture to the garden center expert... there could be a watering problem (too much or not enough) or some other problem. We can't see it, so I don't want to throw out a sloppy guess.

In the future, if you want a fast, full hedge you should consider a deciduous one.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 3

A lot of Miracle Grow in the spring, before July. As for the larger plants, are they conifers?

Answer 4

Use fertilizer stakes in fall, water a lot in fall, Spring, Summer and trim.

Answer 5

Water and Fertilizer will work all the time.

Answer 6

http://www.possabilities-spruce.com/hints.htm
this site along with others will show you the value of nitrogen in conifers in the fall.....good luck,

Answer 7

fertilize and trim.