How to plant a hedge.

How to plant a hedge .hawthorn hedge in english countryside

Essential preparation before planting

Successful hedge establishment begins with thorough ground preparation. Clear the planting area of weeds, grass and debris, then dig over the soil to a spade's depth. Work in well-rotted organic matter such as compost or manure to improve soil structure and drainage—particularly important in heavy clay or sandy soils.

For bare-root hedging, plant between November and March while plants are dormant. Pot-grown specimens can be planted year-round, though autumn and spring offer the best establishment conditions. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or during prolonged dry spells.

Spacing and layout

Proper spacing ensures your hedge develops into a dense, uniform screen. For a single row, space plants 30–45cm apart depending on species and desired density. Double-staggered rows—with plants offset in a zigzag pattern—create faster coverage and are ideal for boundary hedging or windbreaks.

Mark out your planting line with string and canes to maintain a straight edge. For curved hedges, use a garden hose to establish the shape before digging.

Planting bare-root hedging

Bare-root plants arrive with exposed roots and should be planted promptly. If you can't plant immediately, heel them into a temporary trench or store in a cool, frost-free place with roots covered in damp compost.

Dig individual planting holes or a continuous trench slightly wider and deeper than the root spread. Position each plant so the soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground—planting too deep can cause rot, while too shallow risks drying out. Spread roots naturally, backfill with soil, firm gently with your heel, and water thoroughly.

Planting pot-grown hedging

Pot-grown plants offer flexibility and can establish quickly with proper care. Water pots thoroughly an hour before planting. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface.

Gently tease out any circling roots at the base and sides to encourage outward growth. Backfill with excavated soil mixed with compost, firm in well, and water generously to settle the roots and eliminate air pockets.

Aftercare for strong establishment

Consistent watering during the first growing season is critical, especially in dry weather. Newly planted hedges need deep watering once or twice weekly rather than frequent shallow watering. Apply a 5–7cm mulch layer of bark, compost or well-rotted manure around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature—keep mulch clear of stems to prevent rot.

Trim lightly in the first year to encourage bushy growth from the base. For formal hedges, prune two or three times during the growing season to develop dense structure. Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth.

Browse our hedging collections

Explore our full range of premium hedging plants, available as bare-root or pot-grown specimens:

For further guidance on selecting the right species for your site, visit our hedging advice hub or get in touch with our team.