PLASHING Meaning and
Definition
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Plashing is a verb that refers to a technique or act of creating a barrier or hedge by interweaving or intertwining the branches of trees or shrubs while they are still alive. This ancient method, sometimes known as pleaching or plashing, involves bending and intertwining the supple, young branches, and then securing them in place until they root and grow together, forming a dense and impenetrable living fence.
The purpose of plashing is primarily to create a physical boundary or screen, often in outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, or estates. Plashed structures can serve multiple functions, including providing privacy, acting as a windbreak, (helping to control erosion), or even defining specific areas within a larger landscape.
Plashing is typically performed on species of trees or shrubs with flexible branches such as willows, hazels, elms, or even certain species of fruit trees. The process involves selecting and training the appropriate branches into a desired pattern or shape, such as a straight line or an archway. Regular maintenance and trimming may be required to ensure the desired structure remains intact.
This technique has a long history and was commonly used in ancient times for various practical and decorative purposes. Today, plashing continues to be practiced by gardeners, landscapers, and arborists who appreciate the natural beauty and functionality of living fences and hedges.
Common Misspellings for PLASHING
Etymology of PLASHING
The word "plashing" comes from the Middle English word "plashen", which is derived from the Old English word "plæscan". In turn, "plæscan" can be linked to the Proto-Germanic word "plaskōną" meaning "to splash". The original meaning of "plæscan" was related to the sound made by a liquid splashing or the act of creating waves. Over time, the term "plashing" evolved to refer to the process of braiding, weaving, or interlacing branches or shrubs, which often produces a splashing noise similar to water. This sense of "plashing" is commonly used in gardening and horticulture to describe techniques used in creating living fences or screens made from woven vegetation.
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