How to Plant a Hedge
Hedges are a cost-effective and attractive way to border your garden while adding structure and dimension, as well as providing the perfect safe haven for wildlife. Planting them is simpler than you might think, and a suitable task for any gardening enthusiast.
Whether you want to start with a hedge that is pot grown or cultivate a hedge from a root ball, the overarching principles remain the same, and we have put together an easy-to-follow guide to help you nail it.
What Hedges Should You Plant?
The choice is ultimately yours. As long as the hedge species you choose is cared for correctly and bonds well with your local climate, there is little in the way of restriction when it comes to choice. Most kinds can be ordered and delivered to your door very quickly.
Smaller species are known as ‘whips’ and usually measure around 60 cm in height. Unlike larger plants, it is recommended that whips are planted close to each other, as they will grow together to form a denser hedge which will require less maintenance in the long run.
Plants used for hedging are usually sold as bare-root specimens, which can be very cheap, but certain species such as evergreens are pot-grown and supplied ‘root-wrapped’, which just means the roots are encased in soil and held together with fabric (which is to be removed before planting).
Evergreen VS Deciduous
Most are familiar with the term ‘evergreen’ which denotes a plant that stays green all year round. But for those who do not know, ‘deciduous’ species are those which lose their leaves during the winter months.
Both make for stunning hedges, so the decision between the two is really up to you and how you want them to look, while also considering the intended purpose of your new hedge. For example, certain evergreen hedges, especially conifers such as yew, are very dense and provide brilliant privacy. So, if you are planting your hedges for better security, then an evergreen may be the way to go for you.
Deciduous hedges have their own strengths, plus a wide variety of looks. One strong benefit is that they will filter the flow of wind in your garden. They are also extremely forgiving when it comes to pruning, as most evergreens have a specific limit which, once exceeded, will affect their ability to recover well.
What We Would Choose
There are countless species to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. To help you decide, we have compiled a list of some of our favourites which we have seen thrive in most gardens around the UK.
- Beech (Fagus Sylvatica): Sporting vibrant green leaves in the spring and summer which only fall once new growth emerges, and stunning brown hues all winter. Also a popular hedge amongst the local wildlife.
- Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa): A deciduous hedge with thick and thorny foliage, ideal for providing security and privacy to a garden. It blooms in the spring and produces sloe berries in the winter which are a food source for birds.
- Box (Buxus Sempervirens): An extremely versatile and well-loved hedge, and a popular choice for topiaries and shaped boundaries. They are also very hardy and able to withstand drought and poor soil quality.
- Field Maple (Acer Campestre): With beautiful autumnal green and brown tones throughout the year, field maple is an attractive choice for garden hedging. Its flowers provide plenty of pollen for bees and its fruits are a favourite of many wild mammals.
- Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna): Grows very quickly and requires minimal maintenance. Its autumn berries (also known as ‘haws’) are a food source for many birds and other wildlife.
- Holly (Ilex Aquifolium): Another hedge perfectly suited to providing security, with its signature spoked leaves. Despite keeping out intruders, birds will use these hedges as shelter from larger predators. The leaves are also eaten and enjoyed by caterpillars.
- Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus): Its evergreen broad leaves grow densely to create a luscious aesthetic. This tightly packed growth is great for securing extra privacy as well as reducing noise pollution.
- Wild Privet (Ligustrum Vulgare): A familiar resident of the English countryside with gorgeous summertime flowers. To be avoided by those looking for a fauna-friendly hedge, as most parts, especially the berries, are poisonous. Be mindful of pets and children if present in your garden.
- Yew (Taxus Baccata): One of the most popular conifer hedges, with a striking deep emerald colour and a thick growth which can provide reliable protection throughout the year for both you and nearby animals.
How to Plant Your Chosen Hedge
- Prep the area before your hedges arrive. Pull up any weeds and allow for at least thirty centimetres of space around the designated hedge line.
- Using a border spade, dig a long trench through the plot and dapple the base using a garden fork. This process will help the roots to take hold when planted. If your hedge is pot-grown or root-balled, then make sure your trench is double the width of the pots or roots themselves.
- Feed the soil using your choice of matter. We recommend organic mixes or bonemeal.
- Using a piece of string, measure out a straight line. Then cut a wooden stake or bamboo cane to size and, sicking them into the trench, graduate them so they are spaced evenly.
- Next, set your hedges in place, whether they be pot-bound or root ball. Trim away any damaged roots before lowering them, and spread out the remaining roots to doctor the planting depth. You can use the ‘plant line’ as a guide, which should be visible from where pot-bound plants were originally planted.
- Make sure that soil is pushed between the roots to give the hedge or ball stability while it grows.
- Water the plants or root balls and give them time to drain before refilling the plot with water again. One watering can’s worth of water should be enough per plant. Water is the key to successfully planting a healthy hedge. If you are planting bare roots, we even recommend leaving them in a bucket of water for around an hour.
- Pat down the soul to make sure it is firm over the roots and to minimise any potential air pockets. You want them to be snug and warm.
- In order to prevent weeds from taking hold, you can add a layer of mulch over the soil. This will also aid water retention in the soil, which is vital for early growth.
- In the first two years of the hedge’s life, keep a close eye on weed and grass growth, as these can hinder a maturing hedge. Be sure to remove anything you see until the hedge has fully established itself.
Formative Pruning
This is a term coined for pruning which takes place right after a hedge has been planted, or a root ball has sprouted its first leaves. Unlike regular pruning, which is done to regulate overgrowth and maintain a hedge’s overall look alongside hedge trimming, formative pruning is a deliberate and skilled practice which promotes growth in a plant’s early stages.
Plant and Maintain Healthy Hedges With Sims
Whether you are planting, growing, or maintaining hedges, we have everything you need to get the job done efficiently, as well as all the tools you need to create a garden that turns heads.
