Do birds nest in Laurel hedges?

Laurel plants are great for nesting birds. If you are aware of wildlife and enjoy spotting birds Laurel may well be the hedge of choice for you. Also, because Laurel are so hardy they will rarely suffer from the dreaded 'dead patches' found on conifer or privet hedges sometimes.

Just so, do birds nest in hedges?

Hedge cutting and the law Some mature hedgerows are protected by law but this wouldn't normally apply to garden hedges. We recommend not cutting hedges and trees between March and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds, although some birds may nest outside this period.

Likewise, what can I plant at the base of a hedge? Add colour to a mixed native hedge with spring flowering plants

Aconite, Winter (Eranthis hyemalis)
Anemone, Wood ( Anemone nemorosa)
Bluebells, English (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Bugloss (Ajuga reptans)
Celandine.
Crocus.
Daffodils, Wild (Narcissus pseudonarcissus; Wordsworths' Daffodil)
Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)

In this manner, are laurel bushes good for wildlife?

Other hedging plants that attract wildlife are Photinia Red Robin, an evergreen with bright red new foliage in spring, turning glossy green as the seasons progress. Cherry Laurel makes an excellent dense tall hedge with white flowers in summer and black berries in autumn, a favourite of blackbirds.

When can you not cut hedges?

Currently, farmers and landowners are prevented from trimming hedges during six months, between 1 March and 1 September to protect nesting birds as part of EU legislation.

31 Related Question Answers Found

Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?

You are allowed, by law, to prune the roots or branches of a hedge if it's a nuisance and protruding into your garden. And therefore your neighbour can do the same if it's your hedge. Your neighbour is responsible for maintaining hedges so they don't cause damage to neighbouring property.

How long do birds nest for?

8 to 10 weeks

Is it illegal to remove a birds nest UK?

Is it legal to move or destroy active birds' nests? Almost certainly no. All birds their nests and eggs are protected by law: the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981. This makes it an offence, with certain exceptions, to deliberately take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

How do you encourage hedge growth?

Year 2

Cut back the other side of the hedge, cutting almost to the main stems, if necessary.
Leave the height unaltered.
Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
Allow a full growing season for recovery.
Water well in dry spells in the first growing season following renovation.

Where do birds go when they migrate?

Many bird populations migrate long distances along a flyway. The most common pattern involves flying north in the spring to breed in the temperate or Arctic summer and returning in the autumn to wintering grounds in warmer regions to the south.

Are you allowed to disturb nesting birds?

All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions (see Exceptions), to: Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

Is it OK to cut hedges now?

When to trim hedges

Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring. After this, maintenance trimming is carried out, usually once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal hedges. Some formal hedges may need three cuts a year.

Do I have to cut both sides of my hedge?

The responsibility for boundary hedge cutting is shared. Both you and your neighbour should be trimming each other's respective side of the hedge. You are free to cut back roots or branches that are within your property's boundaries. However, you're only allowed to trim the growth on your property.

Do birds eat laurel berries?

Bees, hoverflies, ants and wasps are attracted to the flowers and several species of birds eat the berries. Laurel provides cover for birds and small mammals.

Is Laurel a good hedge?

Laurel is an excellent plant for hedging and screening. It is evergreen and quick-growing, infact, it is the fastest growing evergreen hedging plant that isn't a conifer (i.e. Leylandii or Thuja), so if you don't want a conifer hedge, then Laurel hedging may be the best option for you.

How tall does a cherry laurel grow?

25 feet

What is the best hedge for wildlife?

Native shrubs and trees like hawthorn, field maple, blackthorn, beech, hornbeam and holly make an ideal mixture of hedging plants. Grow rambling plants, such as wild rose, bramble and honeysuckle, through your hedge to provide even more shelter and food for wildlife.

Is Hawthorn good for wildlife?

Hawthorn is probably the commonest hedgerow shrub, and can be found throughout the UK. It provides food for more than 150 different insect species, so is a very valuable addition to any wildlife garden. It has long, sharp thorns and as a hedge forms a very secure barrier.

Is Cherry Laurel poisonous to dogs?

Carolina cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is a dense evergreen shrub or small tree that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. However, this sweet-smelling shrub contains a poison, hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic (and even potentially fatal) for dogs and people alike.

How do you maintain a hedge?

How to Maintain Your Hedges

Hand-Prune Hedges Before You Shear. In order to give your hedges some sunlight on the inside, make sure to hand-prune them before you trim them back.
Prune in the Winter to Reduce Wasted Energy.
Keep Hedges Wider at Their Base.
Plant Hedges With Enough Room to Grow.

Which is the best laurel for hedging?

Portugal Laurel is the hardiest, and it also is the laurel hedge that clips the best. Common Laurel is the fastest growing laurel hedge and its large leaves are most effective at providing a sound and light barrier. It is the ideal evergreen hedge to reduce traffic pollution.

Can you plant cherry laurel in winter?

Planting cherry laurel

Cherry laurel can be planted from October to March with a preference for fall to allow for root development before winter.