dusk2dawn Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 Hi I have a rather nice pond that holds a few duck, problem I have is that they can see across the fields from the surface of the water. My thinking is that since I have an abundant supply of willow wands I could possibly plant a screening hedge and prune it back each year to keep it manageable at perhaps 3/4 feet high. Has anyone done this or got any ideas? Also any pointers on the construction of a resting island (8ftx8ft) able to support turf/grass etc would be appreciated. Thanks Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webber Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 I also once had plans to do the same with willow, so can't see why it shouln't work. Sorry can't help with the island idea. webber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC45 Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 Is this a permanant structure. If so I think your talking about a Fedge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 willow will work well , how deep is the water where you want the pond Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC45 Posted February 14, 2010 Report Share Posted February 14, 2010 Salix Viminalis is what I would recommend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted February 15, 2010 Report Share Posted February 15, 2010 willow will work but have you many deer as they can stop it getting established, when cutting back its also better to cut back low to the ground but they have a good root structure so grow very fast. I'd say you would be better letting it get higher than that and almost coppicing it for firewood every couple of years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dusk2dawn Posted February 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thank you all for the replies, the length of hedging would be approx 75/100 yds long and I am wondering if it would provide a thick enough screen to obscure the line of guns? The idea of allowing them to grow taller would be good to lift the duck higher and also stop the wind blowing across the pond. What might a "fedge" be, or did you hit the wrong key? Have sorted the island idea using sleepers and half submerged plastic drums, should work well. Has anyone any ideas/advice on call ducks please? Seems a shame to provide a 5star island residence and not have tenants lol. Rgds Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reaper6 Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 (edited) Is this a permanant structure. If so I think your talking about a Fedge! sorry to disagree......its called a Thedge.........i should no.........did willow weaving and structures for years.........never made any money at it though Edited February 16, 2010 by reaper6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thank you all for the replies, the length of hedging would be approx 75/100 yds long and I am wondering if it would provide a thick enough screen to obscure the line of guns? The idea of allowing them to grow taller would be good to lift the duck higher and also stop the wind blowing across the pond. What might a "fedge" be, or did you hit the wrong key? Have sorted the island idea using sleepers and half submerged plastic drums, should work well. Has anyone any ideas/advice on call ducks please? Seems a shame to provide a 5star island residence and not have tenants lol. Rgds Rob. when you plant it you usually plant two rows, usually its just short whips that you plant and put a rabbit guard on, then cut down to ground level after a year and they then come back as multistems. If you want shelter you could plant them 3 or 4 wide and cut at different times, what you need to remember is it is deciduous so in the winter when you want the cover they won't have leaves on so just the stems to hide you. It won't be easy and you are probably talking 3 years before it works properly. But they should be a good 8 feet by then and well established, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dusk2dawn Posted February 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 when you plant it you usually plant two rows, usually its just short whips that you plant and put a rabbit guard on, then cut down to ground level after a year and they then come back as multistems. If you want shelter you could plant them 3 or 4 wide and cut at different times, what you need to remember is it is deciduous so in the winter when you want the cover they won't have leaves on so just the stems to hide you. It won't be easy and you are probably talking 3 years before it works properly. But they should be a good 8 feet by then and well established, Yes got the general idea, when you say short whips are these to include the growing tips or cut from the base up? Cheers Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 you can get rooted whips or simply small sections of stem you nearly bury that seem to root ok as long as the ground is suitable for them. Obviously the latter are cheaper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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