Hedge plants are cheap, easy to plant and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine. As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds.
Most trees and shrubs have potential to make hedges. More information on suitable species can be found on our selecting plants for hedging page.
Hedging plants are often supplied as
These have been lifted from the ground while dormant, with little or no soil around their roots. Various plants may be available bare root, including fruit trees, hedging plants and some perennials. They are generally cheaper than plants in containers, but are only available in winter/early spring, while dormant
bare-root specimens, which are usually inexpensive. However, pot-grown plants are equally suitable but cost a little more. Evergreens, especially, are often sold as root-wrapped, where the roots are in a soil ball contained by a fabric casing. This wrapping must be removed, if it is of synthetic fibre, but natural fibre wrappings are sometimes left on. Removal of wrapping is still recommended, though.
Small hedge plants are often called whips and are about 60cm (2ft) high. They are very cheap and are easy to establish. Larger plants need more care and are more expensive. It is best to plant whips closely as they not only form a thick hedge, but compete with each other and so reduce the amount of trimming required.
Hedging plants create natural, living fences that provide privacy, shelter from the elements, decoration, and wildlife habitat But timing is everything when installing a new hedge – picking the right planting season gives young trees and shrubs the optimal start This allows them to establish deep root systems before putting on vigorous top growth.
Key Timing Considerations
The ideal hedge planting time depends on
- Plant type – Evergreen, deciduous, bare root or container grown
- Local climate and weather patterns
- Preparing and amending the soil
- Providing protection from wind and frost
Paying attention to these factors ensures your new hedge gets off to the healthiest start possible. Here is an overview of the best times to plant various types of hedging.
Bare Root Hedging
Bare root hedge plants have their soil washed off before shipping. This allows easy inspection of the roots before planting. Common bare root hedging species include beech, hornbeam, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn and many fruit trees.
The prime bare root planting window is:
- Mid to late autumn – October through December
- Early spring – February to March
Avoid planting bare root hedges in summer when hot, dry conditions put extra stress on new transplants. Also steer clear of winter months when the ground may be frozen or waterlogged.
Rootballed Evergreens
Many evergreen hedges like yew, boxwood, laurel and photinia are sold rootballed. This means their roots are balled in burlap or other material. Rootballed plants can be planted in:
- Early autumn – September and October
- Spring – April and May
The soil is still warm enough during these periods to encourage quick root growth before winter dormancy or summer heat sets in.
Container Grown Hedges
Potted hedging plants with established root systems can be planted anytime the ground is workable and not frozen. However for best results, follow the planting guidelines for bare root and rootballed plants if possible. Be sure to water container plants regularly during summer heat or winter cold spells.
Prepare the Soil Well in Advance
Regardless of planting season, preparing the soil a few weeks prior provides the best growing foundation. Steps for great soil prep:
- Loosen soil to 12-18 inches depth
- Remove weeds, rocks and debris
- Mix in aged manure, compost and organic fertilizer
- Create raised planting beds in wet areas
Amending heavy clay or sandy soils improves drainage and nutrition.
Provide Temporary Wind Shelter
Newly planted hedges benefit from wind protection while roots establish. Drive sturdy stakes into the ground and attach burlap, shade cloth, or flexible fencing to create a sheltered microclimate.
Follow Up Care After Planting
Proper aftercare ensures your new hedge thrives:
- Water deeply and regularly the first 2 years
- Apply mulch around bases to conserve moisture
- Stake large trees to prevent wind damage
- Weed and loosen soil to improve drainage
- Prune lightly in early years to promote dense growth
By planting your hedge during the ideal season and providing attentive aftercare, you’ll soon be rewarded with a lush, beautiful living boundary!
How to plant a hedge
Planting and caring for a new hedge is very similar to that for any new tree or shrub. Good soil preparation beforehand will give your hedge the best start in life.
- Prepare the ground by digging over a strip 60-90cm (2-3ft) wide and one spit (or spade blade) deep
- Remove weeds using non-chemical control methods
- Soils that become waterlogged in winter may require a permanent drainage system. Alternatively, form the soil into a ridge about 15-20cm (6-8in) high and 50-70cm (20-28in) across to plant into
Do not add organic matter to the bottom of the trench as it decomposes causing the shrub to sink.
- Ideally position boundary hedges so they are set back a little way (e.g. 90cm/3ft) from the boundary line. This will allow the hedge to fill out before it becomes an issue with overhanging the pavement or a neighbours property
- Within the row planting distances vary from 30-60cm (1-2ft), depending on the plants’ final size, the size of hedge required and plant vigour. For hedges thicker than 90cm (3ft), plant a staggered double row 45cm (18in) apart, with plants 90cm (3ft) apart
- Trim back damaged roots to healthy growth with sharp knife or old pair of secateurs
- Spread out the roots, ensuring the planting depth is correct. The point where the roots flare out from the stem should be level with the surrounding soil; on container-grown plants, scrape away the compost from the top of the root ball to reveal this point
- On sandy or heavy clay soils, mix organic matter, such as garden compost or a proprietary tree and shrub planting mix, with the soil dug out from the hole to backfill. Alternatively, spread over the soil surface and mix into the top 25cm (10in) of soil with a fork (forking in)
- Work soil between the roots, firm plants in so that soil is in close contact with the roots. Water if the soil is dry
- Mulch to a depth of 7.5cm (3in) after planting to prevent weeds
- Ensure plants are well-watered during dry spells for the next two years
- Top-dress annually with a general-purpose fertiliser, such as Growmore at 70g per sq m (2oz per sq yd), and re-apply mulch as required
- Keep the hedge and 45cm (18in) on each side weed-free
When to plant a hedge
- Evergreen and semi-evergreen hedges: Early autumn is ideal for hedging plants such as box, privet (semi-evergreen) and yew. However, they can be planted at any time from late autumn until late winter
- Deciduous hedges: Plant beech, hawthorn and hornbeam any time from leaf fall. This is typically from mid-autumn until late winter
In all cases, planting is best delayed until the soil can be worked easily, especially if the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
If there is a delay in planting, keep the plants in a frost-free shed and cover their roots with moist straw, paper or potting compost and plastic sheet. This will prevent them drying out. Alternatively, they can be temporarily planted very close together in a trench, with their roots covered in at least 20cm (8in) of soil (this is called heeling-in).
When is the Best Time to Plant Shrubs and Trees?
FAQ
What time of year is best to plant hedges?
Bare root hedging should be planted between mid-October and the end of March. Rootballed evergreens are best planted from the start of September to mid-October or from the beginning of April to mid-May. Good soil preparation before planting will go a long way to getting your new hedging off on the right track.
What is the fastest growing hedge to plant?
English laurel (or Cherry Laurel) can make an enormous fast-growing hedge. Under the right conditions, it can grow up to 3 feet per year!
What is the rule for planting hedges?
Then, use the rule of thirds and plant your shrubs 1/3 as far apart as your intended height. This may sound close, but that’s exactly what this type of hedge is. Example: If your hedge is 5 feet tall, plant your shrubs about 1.7 feet apart. If they’re going to be 9 feet tall, plant them 3 feet apart.