Ive been laying a good old hedge which has a good proportion of hawthorne but also a fair number of biggish proper trees, up to 8 - 10 inches diameter. Also big gaps like you said. Dont despair, it all comes out in the wash. An old layer once said to me "you can only lay what you've got". Its true.. lay it as you find it.. take each stem afresh and treat it individually. Use a billhook, a pleaching axe or a chainsaw depending on the thickness of the stem.. Give it your best shot.. whatever you do to it will not be as bad as if you leave it, or flail it.
In a couple of seasons it will all be covered in fresh new growth anyway and all the gaps will fill up.
Pricing? Make sure you price for stakes and binders, and for clearing the brash (no small task - best is to burn on site). I'd do it for 5-7 quid a metre if somebody else would
clear up behind me!
Timing? For the last few weeks I've had constant company form the usual robins and wrens. Just noticed last weekend the little blighters are collecting twigs. Even a pair of buzzards *getting acquainted* in the bushes downstream from me, so it wont e long before we have to stop for the nesting season. I reckon thats it until August for me.
re: the comments about helping out.. yep.. always happy to give advice, help or criticism in the Midlands style and West Mids area.
Old Ron
