Garden hedges can be found in different shapes and sizes ranging from small to round and from conical to tall hedges. Some only grow to about a foot high while others tower up to about 25 feet. Most people consider the end result they are looking for before deciding on a particular type of garden hedge plant. The plants come in either deciduous or the evergreen type that maintain their foliage the entire year. Because they are thick the entire year including winter, evergreen hedges are the best if their purpose is to screen or shield. However, if the snow is too heavy, it may break the branches of the hedge and cause it to whither off and die. Because deciduous hedges cannot die during winter because they shed their leaves, they cannot be used for screening purposes.

People can plant garden hedge plants regardless of where they are. To create a formal and symmetrical look, hedges are trimmed or they can be left rugged and natural for the opposite effect. Garden hedges will differ based on the final result that a gardener wants to create in their garden. If it is being used to keep away animals, it should be thick enough to ensure that the animal does not pass beneath it. They can also be used for marking boundaries and separate property that belongs to different people. They can also be used as wind blocks or to cover parts of a garden that should not be visible to visitors or other people. Understanding the reason for getting a hedge is important to ensure that the right type of hedge is planted.

Shrub hedges are preferred by many gardeners. This is normally because they attract beautiful birds that can make nests on top of the shrub. Pets and small animals are also kept on one side of the hedge because it is thick enough to act as a barrier. Rabbits and squirrels are known to use the inner parts of hedges to build their nests because of the protective shield they offer. Most garden owners enjoy the company of animals and the animals add on to the beauty of the garden itself. In addition, the shrubs serve as good privacy shield without leaving any patches in the hedge. Hedges can be grown high or low and they require regular pruning and trimming to achieve a desired look or feel.