What is this hedge?
By Newkid
London,
United Kingdom 
Hello everyone. This hedge (about 3 feet wide) runs between my neighbour's and my front garden. I have no idea what it is. It is everygreen and grows out of very hard and sharp branches - cutting it back just seems to leave gaping holes. It has been there for ever. I'm not keen on it and would like to replace it with something more attractive but I don't know what. The only thing I do like about it is that it is very slow growing and gives me a lot of privacy from my neighbour. Unfortunately I don't have a great deal of money to spend and I need to hedge at least 15 feet of garden but I would be willing to save up for something I really liked.
The rest of the front garden is hard standing - apart from my magnolia.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance. Newkid
11 Jun, 2009
Answers
I'm not so sure it is Box, J. I'd like to see another photo from further back, to see the overall shape of the plants. And how high is it Newkid?
11 Jun, 2009
A tenner says it is!
11 Jun, 2009
i thought it looked like and old privet.
12 Jun, 2009
It looks like common box. Replacing a mature established hedge is not easy. It will be a lot of physical work to remove it, and will take much time for a replacement to grow. Box hedging is pretty good hedging. Probably is best not to hack into it, but just to trim lightly all over when necessary so as to keep it in nice shape. Keeping it trimmed carefully will enable its maximum potential of attractiveness, if you decide to just live with it.
11 Jun, 2009