How do you protect a new hedge from deer and hares?

One of the sad truths about hedge planting is that the cost of protection is often greater than the cost of the plants. The choice is between fencing and individual guards. A double line of rabbit fence usually gives quite good protection, even from deer. They seem to be loath to jump in to such a narrow strip, and cannot reach in to the newly planted shrubs provided that the fences are far enough out from the planting.

The big trouble, however is that such fences badly restrict wildlife movement, and can be a death trap to game. If they are used, they should be removed as soon as possible.

Individual guards are often criticised as being inadequate to fully protect the plants, with hares or deer browsing plants as soon as they emerge unless full height tubes are used. However, what is often forgotten is that the part which is in the tube (for example a quill) is still growing, and continues to feed the growing root system.

Given good management, and particularly attention to weed control, the plant eventually grows away from any damage, especially if it is part of a reasonable length of hedge.