Coastal tamarisk hedge cut back along a lawn, Joss Bay
The problem
A tamarisk hedge along the edge of a coastal lawn near Joss Bay had been left to do its own thing. Over a few seasons it had spread sideways across the grass and risen well above its original line, squeezing the lawn it was meant to border.
Salt wind and chalk soil make coastal hedges grow in odd ways, and tamarisk responds by throwing up soft, fast growth that looks wilder than it is.
What we did
The approach here was conservative. Coastal hedges respond well to a little and often, so we took the sides back to a clear line rather than cutting hard and levelled the top along the whole run. We kept the cut inside the green growth, since tamarisk does not like being cut into old wood.
The aim was a hedge that recovers within a season and does not need rescuing again. Clippings were bagged and the lawn edge was tidied.
The result
The lawn has its width back, the hedge is level and the feathery top is intact. Next year's cut will be a light one.
Looking after it
Technical note for those who like the detail. Tamarisk flowers on new growth and sheds fine foliage, so it is best cut after summer growth has finished and before the worst of the winter weather. Cutting in that window lets cuts seal before frosts. On the Thanet chalk and coastal soils around Broadstairs, trimmed hedges also hold their shape better when growth is kept to a few centimetres per cut. We do not ask for deposits or upfront fees, and a repeat customer over 500 pounds gets 10% off.
Got a hedge that needs the same?
Broadstairs Hedges is the considered clip: technical, local and no-nonsense. A proper job, or you pay nothing, with no deposit. We cover Broadstairs, St Peter's and the clifftop bays from Dumpton Gap to Kingsgate.
Call 07763 100477 or email hello@broadstairshedges.co.uk for a quote.
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