Unit 108Contribute to the Maintenance of Plants

Hedges

Aims & Objectives:

To be able to identify the definition of a hedge.

To be able to identify the role and function of a hedge.

To be able to identify a range of hedging plants available.

To be able to identify appropriate tools and equipment for the task.

To be able to identify the potential hazards involved in the practice of trimming a hedge.

To be able to produce a guide to pruning & training techniques for different types of hedges.

Hedges

Definition:

A row of plants planted close enough together to create a continuous line.

Role & function of a hedge:

Define a boundary

Privacy

Disguise

Shelter

Reduce noise

Encourage wildlife

Encourage wildlife

Choice of hedging plants:

What point do you consider when choosing plants for a hedge?

Deciduous or Evergreen

Formal or informal

Required height of hedge

Required wide of hedge

Maintenance requirements

Soil type

Aspect/orientation

Wildlife value

Cost

Aesthetic value

Types of hedges

Common Identification

Box

Beech

Hawthorn

Yew

Laurel

Hornbeam

Privet

Leyland cypress

Types of hedges

Latin Identification

Box (Buxus)

Beech (Fagus)

Hawthorn (Crateagus)

Yew (Taxus)

Laurel (Aucuba)

Hornbeam (Carpinus)

Privet ( Ligustrum)

Leyland cypress (Leylandii)

Tools & equipment associated with the task

Hedging shears Secateurs Loppers Pruning saw Wheel barrow/tarpaulin Fork Rake PPE/suitable warm waterproof clothing First aid box

Risks associated with the task

Risks Trip or Fall Cuts to the body Bruised or cut eyes/face Cut fingers Damage equipment

Actions Duty of care to yourself & others PPE First aid box Care for equipment

Group Library Tasks

Soil preparation

Planting

Pruning

Training

Knowledge Review

Recap activity (Q & A)

Complete the Knowledge evidence exercise

Aims & Objectives

To be able to identify the definition of a hedge.

To be able to identify the role and function of a hedge.

To be able to identify a range of hedging plants available.

To be able to identify appropriate tools and equipment for the task.

To be able to identify the potential hazards involved in the practice of trimming a hedge.

To be able to produce a guide to pruning & training techniques for different types of hedges.