The green hedge has long been the cornerstone of the quintessential American aesthetic. For people outside of the US, it may even be one of the most recognizable features alongside the white picket fence.
Its neatly trimmed rows have adorned suburban landscapes and defined the property boundaries for decades.
But while some of our tastes haven’t changed much, our habits have. Nowadays, we’re much busier, so maintaining a perfectly pruned hedge may well be a pipe dream.
Yet, it doesn’t mean you should give up on your decor dreams. Many haven’t, they’ve just started using an artificial hedge.
An artificial boxwood hedge can be a solution that offers the same enduring beauty of a real hedge without the trimming and watering.
But how long do artificial hedges last?
How Long Do Artificial Hedges Last?
A fake hedge wall can last for years. And with the proper care and occasional maintenance, they can last even longer.
At Designer Plants, we offer a 5-year warranty on our best artificial boxwood panels that ensures they’re suitable for various climates. Our warranty covers premature fading, cracking, and failure of the product that may render it unusable.
We stand by our claims that, with the right care, our artificial hedges and green walls can last up to 15 years indoors.
And there are still steps you can take to ensure your fake hedge wall lasts as long as possible. Here’s what you should do to lengthen a faux hedge’s lifespan:
Mind the Location
Our artificial hedges are UV resistant. This means they won’t fade or crack from sun exposure because the materials are well-protected. Still, you should minimize prolonged exposure to direct sunlight if you can. By doing so, you can extend their lifespan beyond the typical warranties.
For example, you can place them in shaded areas or under partial cover to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays. This will preserve their color and structural integrity and allow you to rest easy knowing you won’t be replacing your hedge panels soon.
Clean Them Regularly
While you don’t need the same time and effort commitments to maintain an artificial hedge wall, you still need to keep them looking fresh. As time goes on, the leaves on your faux hedge will start pulling in some dust and debris, which will dull their shine and vibrancy. Luckily, cleaning artificial plants is a piece of cake.
All you need to do is blow away any loose debris with a blowdryer, spray your hedge with a hose or a showerhead, and dry it with a microfiber cloth. And that’s it - your faux boxwood hedge wall will be as good as new.
Apply UV Spray
After cleaning, apply a UV protection spray designed for outdoor artificial plants and furniture. Even though your fauxliege is already UV resistant, this extra layer helps to shield the hedges from any kind of UV damage.
A UV protection spray prevents efflorescence on surfaces, resists heat and stains and is a non-toxic liquid free of unpleasant odors. This spray is especially useful if you’re expecting long, hot days with a lot of sunshine and want to prevent even slight fading.
Reapply the spray every few months, particularly after a thorough cleaning or a heavy storm.
Look for Certifications
When purchasing an artificial hedge, it’s not enough to go with your gut and judge the faux plant on appearance only. Instead, prioritize and search for products with certifications for quality from third-party organizations.
For example, our certifications include ISO, REACH, RoHS, and fire retardancy. They serve as assurances that the hedges have undergone rigorous testing to withstand various conditions. Plus, RoHS compliance also means the plant is free from hazardous materials and safe for you and the environment. Ultimately, this is how you determine whether your artificial hedge will ‘live’ longer.
Can You Put Artificial Hedges Outside?
Yes, you can put artificial hedges outside like you can any other artificial plant.
Most of the time, faux hedges are outside. This is why it’s important to make sure they’re weather-proof and UV-resistant.
Ensuring your artificial hedge wall ‘thrives’ outside calls for careful consideration of environmental factors. This means giving your fauxliege the best possible chance by putting it in an adequate spot.
While a high-quality faux hedge will likely also be UV resistant and able to withstand the elements, think about how much exposure it’ll get to extreme weather.
All information on how to ensure your faux plants are safe outdoors is on our blog page. And if you need custom advice, contact our team for any recommendations on longevity.
Finishing Thoughts
So, how long do artificial hedges last?
Turns out - as long as you care about them.
Artificial hedges aren’t the second-best thing you can use to get your ideal green privacy screen. In many cases, they’re your best option.
They’re the smart, low-maintenance solution to achieving that timeless garden look without 1% of the hassle of real boxwood. When armed with UV protection and robust construction, these faux hedges stand strong against the elements and vibrant season after season.
And the best part is - you can use the most realistic artificial hedge to create a private lounge area or screen off a commercial landscape.
If you’re thinking about trying out an artificial hedge for your outdoor space, browse our collection and check out all the details that go into making a sturdy product.