Mark out the hedge before you order
Begin by measuring the boundary, leaving out gates, steps and other openings. Mark the line where the stems will sit, then allow for the width of the finished hedge. Leave enough room to reach both sides with your trimming tools. A young plant takes up little space, but its branches will soon extend beyond that narrow planting line.
Walk the whole length and check the conditions. A patch beside a shed may be sheltered and dry, while ground under an established tree has roots competing for moisture. Where water stands after rain, investigate the drainage before planting. A hedge is easier to establish when the species suits the ground from the outset.
When to plant
Autumn and spring are good times to plant evergreen garden hedges: the soil is usually moist and temperatures are moderate. Potted plants allow more flexibility, although summer planting needs closer attention to watering. Wait if the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
Bare root plants arrive during their dormant season and need prompt planting with their roots kept moist. Potted stock can wait for a suitable day if you keep the compost watered. If you are still choosing, our root type guide explains how each option affects planting and handling.
Prepare a continuous planting strip
Clear grass and weeds along the row before digging the planting holes. Break up compacted soil, including hard sides left by digging, and remove rubble, large stones and persistent weed roots. Preparing the whole strip first gives you room to adjust the spacing and keep a long run straight.
Backfill with the existing soil. A pocket of rich potting compost inside a narrow hole will not improve drainage in the surrounding ground. Where soil is compacted or drainage is poor, work on the wider planting area before putting the plants in.
Set out the plants at the agreed spacing
Spacing depends on the species, starting size and style of hedge. Once you have confirmed the distance for your plants, stand them along the prepared line before digging each hole. Check the ends and corners, then look along the row from both directions.
To estimate a single row, divide the length in metres by the spacing in metres. At an agreed spacing of 50cm, a 10 metre run needs approximately 20 plants. Use the distance recommended for your chosen hedge, and calculate a double row separately.
Plant carefully, then water in
Water potted plants before removing the containers. Make each hole wide enough to accommodate the root system without forcing it in, but no deeper than necessary. Keep the root flare, where the first main roots leave the stem, at the surrounding soil level. Avoid burying the stems beneath extra compost or mulch.
Backfill around the roots, firm gently to remove large air pockets and water thoroughly. Check the level again once the soil settles. If planting bare root stock, spread the roots naturally instead of bending them into a small hole. Keep unplanted roots covered while you work.
- Use a string line for a straight run and check the line from both ends.
- Remove plastic pots before planting.
- Support heavy rootballs from underneath rather than lifting by the stem.
- Keep each plant upright while backfilling and firming.
Watering and care after planting
Spread a suitable mulch over moist, weed-free ground, keeping it clear of the stems. It helps retain moisture and reduce weed growth. You will still need to water while the roots establish, so check that your hose or watering can reaches the full length of the hedge.
Check the soil around the original roots during the first growing seasons. A light shower may leave the surface damp while the rootball remains dry. Our aftercare guide covers watering, weeds and the early signs that a plant needs attention; the trimming guide explains how to train different hedge species.
Common questions
Can I plant potted hedging in winter?
Yes, when the soil is workable and neither frozen nor waterlogged. Choose the day for the ground conditions rather than the calendar alone.
Should I add fertiliser to every planting hole?
Routine fertiliser in the hole is not needed. Concentrate on soil preparation, correct depth and watering. Use any planting product only as its instructions specify.
How soon will the plants join together?
That depends on the species, starting size, spacing, site and aftercare. Young plants need time to establish and branch, so a height measurement is not a promise of immediate cover.
