Hedge Laying

[hamdogg]

Hi all, I've got some work to price, few trees out etc but there is also a hawthorn hedge that they want laying, I've never done any hedge laying before, so I wondered if anyone had any advice?

[headgroundsman]

you might need some practice before you start charging

[hamdogg]

you might need some practice before you start charging

 

 

That's what I thought, and explained to the customer that is never done hedge laying before, and he just turned around and said well you practice on the hawthorn!! Lol

[Mortimer Firewood]

Do it on a reasonable day rate and take your time you will either love it or hate it, I find it really relaxing.

[headgroundsman]

hawthorn is not bad to learn on. watch out when you try blackthorn lol

[Bigfellers]

Make sure you factor in a bill hook and some welders gauntlet s !

[scale90]

I haven't done any for a long time but we used to lay on the uphill if on a gradient as this ensures that the sap will rise. Basically you need to cut the stem enough to be able to fold it over (this is known as pleaching), but a section of bark and sapwood has to be left to allow it to grow the vertical shoots the following season. Also cut the stumpy bit off which is left at the rear of the pleacher as this will aid the energy going into the vertical shoots. Carry this on along the length of the hedge. At regular intervals place stakes horizontally as this will give the hedge strength until it gets established.

It can then be finished by weaving Hazel or similar between the stakes & tap them down to tighten everything up.

There are various styles of hedge laying throughout the country.

I've probably forgot something.

 

Hope this helps.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Is it domestic? Don't forget to factor in brash removal if you're dealing with it. Can be bloody awkward and time consuming trimming for the chipper if it's all knarly and burn may not be an option if domestic - Don't forget Environment Agency D7 exemption if burning - esp if in a domestic area - guarantee someone will grumble.

[hamdogg]

Is it domestic? Don't forget to factor in brash removal if you're dealing with it. Can be bloody awkward and time consuming trimming for the chipper if it's all knarly and burn may not be an option if domestic - Don't forget Environment Agency D7 exemption if burning - esp if in a domestic area - guarantee someone will grumble.

 

 

It's in a church cemetery, so will be chipping it

[Beardie]

Perhaps you could subcontract the hedgelaying. I hear the going rate is £9/yd, to help you price it.