BARE ROOT HEDGING IN ST. HELENS

Bare root hedging in St. Helens.

Supplying all bare root plants for farms, landscaping projects, & gardeners 

covering the whole of UK

• Affordable: Bare root plants are significantly cheaper than potted or root-balled options because they require less labor and resources during production and transportation.
• Environmentally Friendly: Bare roots are grown without plastic pots, minimizing environmental impact compared to container-grown plants.
• Quick Establishment: When planted during their dormancy, bare roots focus their energy on establishing a strong root system, leading to rapid growth once spring arrives.
• Wider Variety: A broader selection of hedging species, especially larger plants and trees, are often available as bare roots.
• Natural Growth: They develop in open ground, fostering a naturally vigorous root system, unlike pot-grown plants whose roots might become constricted. 

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): A popular native species known for its dense growth, thorny branches for security, and wildlife benefits including white flowers in spring and red berries in autumn. 

• Beech (Fagus sylvatica): A fast-growing deciduous plant with golden-green leaves  that turn copper in winter and offers a dense hedge when trimmed. 

• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): A versatile deciduous species with attractive green leaves that turn golden-yellow in autumn and are retained throughout the winter, providing year-round coverage.
• Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa): A native species featuring sharp thorns for security, white flowers in early spring, and dark purple sloes in autumn. 
• Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare): A fast-growing, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that forms dense hedges with glossy green leaves and attracts pollinators with its fragrant white flowers. 

• Box (Buxus sempervirens): A classic evergreen hedging plant known for its small, glossy green leaves and dense, slow-growing nature.
• Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’): A popular fast-growing evergreen for privacy screening with large, glossy green leaves. 

• Yew (Taxus baccata): A native evergreen known for its dense, deep green foliage and suitability for formal hedges. 

• Timing: Plant bare roots between mid-October and the end of March while the plants are dormant. Avoid planting during frost, waterlogged conditions, or strong, drying winds.
• Preparation:
  • Remove all perennial weeds and grass from the planting area.
  • Dig a trench at least twice the width of the root ball or bare roots and deep enough for the root system to spread out comfortably.
  • Loosen the bottom and sides of the trench to improve drainage and aid root establishment.
  • Amend poor soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Consider adding bone meal (mixed well into the soil) and Rootgrow to encourage root growth and establishment.
• Planting:
  • Soak the bare roots in water for 2 hours (no more) before planting to rehydrate them.
  • Space plants according to the species and desired density (typically 30-60cm apart for a single row, or a staggered double row for a thicker hedge).
  • Ensure the roots are spread out naturally and the crown (where roots meet the stem) is at or slightly below ground level.
  • Backfill the trench with soil, gently firming to remove air pockets and provide support.
  • Water thoroughly immediately after planting, ensuring the water drains away properly.
• Aftercare:
  • Water regularly, especially during dry spells in the first two years, aiming for deep saturation rather than frequent shallow watering.
  • Keep the planting area free of weeds for at least the first two years to reduce competition for resources.
  • Apply a layer of mulch (bark or well-rotted manure) around the base of the hedge to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Leave a gap between the mulch and the stems.
  • Protect young hedges from wind damage using stakes or windbreak netting if needed.
  • Consider rabbit guards if wildlife is a concern.
  • Trim back any damaged growth after planting and prune leggy vertical growth to encourage bushiness. For deciduous species, prune back a third of the new growth in the first and second winters. For fast-growing species like Hawthorn and Blackthorn, cut back new annual growth by around half.