The Types of Hedges for a Yard

Formal Hedge

• The term formal hedge refers to a dense planting of shrubs or bushes that tightly conforms to a predetermined outline. Plants used in formal hedges must withstand constant pruning and should maintain branches that are low to the ground when mature. Small, dense leaves are also desirable to allow for precision shearing. In "The Tree and Shrub Finder," author Robert Kourik recommends pruning formal hedges narrower at the top than at the bottom to ensure even sun exposure.

Informal Hedge

• An informal hedge provides the same landscaping functions as a formal hedge but is allowed to grow in a less controlled form. Informal hedges are also known as natural hedges. Informal hedges are useful where you want to delineate boundaries, such as property lines, without seeming austere.

Boundary Hedge

• A boundary hedge is grown either as a formal or informal hedge. What is important is that the plants making up the hedge provide an impassable mass. The physical challenge of the hedge is extremely dense growth but can also include spines, thorns or burrs. Boundary hedges are also known as barriers.

Good Neighbor Hedge

• Some plants offer the screening and space-defining functions of hedges without posing an actual obstacle to passage. In "Nancy Brachey's Guide to Piedmont Gardening," the author refers to this type of planting as a friendly hedge or good neighbor hedge. According to Brachey, such a hedge "has soft leaves, bendable branches and no sharp points. If it could talk, the message would be an inviting, 'Step right through.'" Friendly hedge plants include Eastern or Canada hemlock, nandina, boxwood and parney cotoneaster.

Low Hedge

• A low-growing hedge provides visual boundaries to delineate property lines or simply to subdivide a large space into cozier niches. Low hedges also allow you to keep an eye on neighboring properties or to see the curb, and they don't provide cover for would-be burglars. Brachey suggests using glossy abelia, boxwood and Japanese holly for low hedges.

Screen

• A screen is a type of planting that is tall and dense enough to completely block a given view, which is sometimes a tall hedge, a row of closely planted trees or trellised vines. Common screen plants include the Carolina cherry laurel, hardy anise, cypress varieties and nandina.