Hedges Direct 
Hedges are a great way to add structure and greenery to your garden. They can be used to create a natural boundary for your privacy or carved out into a topiary — making them a versatile option that's both functional and beautiful to look at. The best part is that planting a hedge is easier than you might think with the right knowledge.
Whether you're planting pot-grown, bare root, root balled, or even instant hedging species, the same principles apply: good ground preparation, enough space for the root system, eliminating any air pockets, and providing plenty of water. In this guide, we'll walk you through the hedge planting process — from choosing the perfect species to setting up your soil for healthy growth.
How to choose the right hedge to plant
Not all hedges grow the same, and choosing the right type can make all the difference when it comes to landscaping your garden. With a wide variety of options available, you should carefully consider what you want to achieve with your hedge and how much space you have to work with.
Let’s look at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hedge:
Hedge style
When deciding on the style of hedge you want, the right choice will depend on what you plan to use your new hedge for. Hedges are one of the most versatile plants you can put in your garden and can serve many purposes, including decorative borders, privacy from nearby neighbours or roads, and even topiary features.
Here are some of the most common hedge styles you might come across:
Privacy screens — If you want to create a private outdoor space, look for fast-growing, dense species like Leylandii or Cherry Laurel. These varieties are ideal for forming thick, tall barriers that block noise and provide seclusion.
Low-growing border hedges — To frame pathways and flower beds, low-growing hedges like Box or Euonymus Jean Hugues work perfectly. These hedges create neat edges and add structure without overpowering other plants.
Flowering hedges — If you're looking for seasonal colour, flowering species like Berberis, Escallonia and Blackthorn offer vibrant displays while serving as effective borders and privacy screens.
Topiaries — For those with a creative mind and a steady hand, dense hedges like Yew or Box are great for shaping into topiary. These species respond well to pruning and can be crafted into virtually any design you can think of.
Type of hedge
There are four main types of hedging plants — bare root, root ball, pot-grown, and instant — and the type you choose will influence everything from when it should be planted to how much preparation it needs to thrive. Some may need more care during establishment, while others are hardier and more flexible in terms of when and where they can be planted.
Below, we've outlined some of the key differences and considerations for each type:
Bare root hedges — These are young plants sold with their roots exposed and the soil shaken off. Bare root hedges are cheaper and easy to transport, making them popular for creating larger hedgerows. The best time to plant is during their dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. Find out more about planting bare root hedges here.
Root ball hedges — Root ball hedges come with a large mass of soil surrounding their roots and are wrapped in biodegradable netting to be planted directly. These are usually larger, established plants. The best time to plant them is during autumn and winter when they are dormant, and they should be planted quickly after delivery to avoid drying out. You can find more guidance on root ball hedge planting here.
Cell and pot-grown hedges — These plants are grown in containers and can be planted year-round, making them a more flexible option. Pot-grown hedges usually have more developed root systems, helping them establish quickly when planted. Learn more about how to plant cell and pot-grown hedges here.
Trough-grown instant hedges — These are more mature plants grown in a trough, creating pre-established hedging sections at varying lengths. This is great if you’re looking for a quick and easy installation. Plus, these hedges are also available in a screen format, offering differing heights and providing instant privacy.
Soil conditions
Understanding your soil is vital to make sure your hedge thrives after planting. Different species have specific requirements for drainage, pH levels, and nutrients. So, before planting, you'll need to assess your soil type and condition — as this can directly affect the health of your hedge.
To check your soil, try a simple texture test by taking a handful of moist soil and squeezing it. If it crumbles easily, it's well-drained; if it sticks together or feels gritty, you may need to mix in some loose stones or grit to improve water flow. You can also perform a drainage test by filling a small hole with water and seeing how quickly the water drains into the soil. If the water remains in a puddle for a few minutes, the soil needs some help to improve drainage before you plant your hedges. If it drains away quickly, the soil is well-draining and is ready for planting.
Sun and shade
When choosing a hedge, consider how much sunlight your garden receives throughout the day. Some hedges thrive in full sun and will grow best in bright, open spaces, while other species — like Yew and Privet — are more tolerant of shade and can flourish in less sunny areas. Matching your chosen hedge to your garden's light conditions ensures it will have the best chance of growing successfully when planted.
When is the best time to plant a hedge?
Choosing when to plant hedges will depend on your species, but here is a rough guideline to follow:
Evergreen hedges — These hedges keep their leaves year-round and while they respond best to being planted in early to late autumn (September to November) or in spring (March to May) when the soil is warm but not too dry to help root establishment, they can be planted year round, as long as there is no drought or frost.
Semi-evergreen hedges — These species lose some leaves in the colder months but remain partially green all year. Planting in early autumn (September/October) is ideal to give them time to establish before winter, but as with full evergreens, they can be planted year round except for in excessively cold or hot conditions.
Deciduous hedges — These hedges shed their leaves in the winter but offer a beautiful colour change with the seasons. For bare roots and root balled hedging, you can only plant them in late autumn through to spring when they are available (November to March season dependent) and while they're dormant, allowing the roots to establish. Pot grown or instant deciduous species, can be planted year round, unless too cold or too hot.
Potted hedges — These hedges are grown in containers and can be planted year-round, but it's best to avoid extreme heat or frost during which the ground conditions are not ideal for healthy root establishment and development in their new position.
Hedge planting prep
Before you get started with planting your new hedge, getting your garden ready is essential to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste. There are several things to prepare before it's time to put your beautiful new hedge plant in the ground — let's take a look at them now:
Where to plant
Choosing the right spot for your hedge is vital, and getting it wrong is the last thing you want to happen. Before planting, think about your garden's conditions — including how much sunlight it gets, the type of soil, and the space available. If you're planting near walls or fencing, leave plenty of room between them for the roots to grow.
For hedges that need full sun, like Laurel or Leylandii, choose an area with plenty of direct sunlight during the day. Or, if you want to plant a hedge in a shadier location, species like Yew or Privet are more suitable.
How to prepare the soil
Proper soil preparation is essential to give your hedge the best chance to thrive. Start by clearing the area of any weeds, ensuring at least 30cm on both sides of the proposed hedge line is weed-free. This helps the roots establish more easily as they won't need to compete for nutrients. If your chosen hedge needs extra nutrition, this is also the time to fertilise the soil with organic matter like compost to help your hedge flourish.
How far apart to plant new hedging
Proper spacing between plants means they will have enough room to grow healthy roots. If planted too closely, the roots of your hedge plants will have to compete for nutrients and water, which can stunt your hedge's growth and lead to weaker foliage.
Generally, hedging plants should be spaced depending on their size and the species you're planting. Larger varieties like Laurel or Leylandii need more room, while smaller, compact species such as Box hedging should be planted more closely to form a dense block of leaves.
The recommended planting density per metre of each hedge plant is detailed against each product on our website, so that you know how many to order for your chosen hedge length.
How to plant a hedge in 4 steps
Planting a hedge can feel intimidating when you don't know where to start, but in reality, it’s a fairly simple process. Follow these four steps for the best results:
1. Prepare the trench
Regardless of your hedge type, you'll need to dig a trench for the plants to make sure you’re planting them in a straight line, (use string to mark out your length) and ensure that the soil is less compacted around your hedge’s root system.
Start by removing any weeds from the planting area, and then start digging. The trench should be about twice the width of the root ball or bare roots and deep enough so the root system can sit comfortably without being bent. When the trench is dug, prick the bottom and sides with a fork to allow the roots to establish.
Planting in trenches also allows you to replace the soil with fresh growing medium and mix in a secondary feed, like Bonemeal.
2. Plant your hedging
Now that your trench is ready, it’s time to start planting. To meet our plant guarantee requirements you should have already purchased Rootgrow and a second feed at the time of purchase. Before putting your plants in the ground, we recommend treating the root system with Rootgrow. You can make a paste by mixing the product with water to dip bare root plants into or sprinkle the granules directly into the trench. This helps the roots absorb nutrients more easily and makes them more resistant to drought, pests, and disease, ensuring a better planting success rate.
The quickest planting method is to place your hedging along the trench, leaving a gap between them if you’re using root ball, cell-grown, or bare root varieties. To keep plants evenly spaced and allow enough room for roots to establish, place down a cut piece of cane to measure the required distance between each plant. For instant hedging, these sections of plant can be slotted into place next to one another, usually 1 per metre, creating an evenly-spaced hedge in no time.
Professional landscapers can plant up to 500 small bare root plants per day using this method, but they’re used to it! For amateur gardeners, 200 a day (with tea breaks, of course) is a good target — it’s a great task for a dry winter’s day.
Once placed, you can choose to backfill the trench with the soil you removed earlier or introduce a new, nutrient-rich planting medium to give the roots the best chance to thrive. We’d recommend treating the soil with a secondary feed like bonemeal, After Plant Bio-Active Evergreen Fertiliser, or After Plant Seaweed Bio-stimulant to add essential nutrients; if required.
Rootgrow goes in at root level, either made up as a paste which bare roots are dipped into, or as granules in the trench for each plant. If using bonemeal granules, make sure to mix thoroughly into the soil, as direct contact with roots can cause scorching. Or, you can add it at the surface level by watering into the soil.
For root ball hedges, leave the biodegradable wrapping on the plants and make sure the top of the root ball sits level with the soil. If you’re planting cell-grown plants, cover them with around an inch of soil — but take care not to smother them or plant too deeply.
Once you’ve refilled the trench, gently press the soil down around the roots to eliminate any air pockets (these can lead to frost damage in winter). Be careful not to compact the soil too much — just enough to keep the plants secure without restricting root growth.
3. Water thoroughly
Water is the secret to success! After planting your hedge, water the plants thoroughly until the ground is drenched and check that the water drains away as expected. If the water sits in a puddle, you may need to disturb the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Apply your mulch
Once your hedge is planted and watered, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also protects against weeds, giving your roots a stronger start.
Learn more about planting bare root hedging with our tutorial video below, plus you can find out how to plant root ball hedging with Virgin Radio presenter Sam Pinkham! In this easy-to-follow video, Sam plants our English Yew root balls to replace an old fence and transforms his garden boundaries into a beautiful ‘ready-grown’ hedge:
Hedge planting aftercare
Once your hedge is planted, the right aftercare is crucial to helping it establish and grow. Even though most hedges are fairly low-maintenance, they will still need regular attention in the early stages, so keep your trowel and watering can on hand for regular spot checks!
Watering — Keep the soil around your new hedge moist, especially during the first year. Water thoroughly after planting and closely monitor the ground conditions to ensure your hedges’ roots are getting enough water.
Weeding — You will need to keep the whole area around your new hedge clear of weeds and grass for at least two years, so remember to weed regularly!
Mulching — Reapply mulch as needed to help retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay. Use organic materials like compost, bark, or wood chips for the best results.
Feeding — You can re-feed the soil at surface-level to ensure your roots are getting the nutrients they need. The best time to do this is in the spring.
Hedge planting problems
Like any plant, hedges can face various challenges that may impact their growth and overall health. Being aware of these common issues can help you take preventive measures or act quickly if problems appear.
Waterlogged soil — If the soil can't drain properly, particularly in heavy or clay soils, your hedge's roots may become waterlogged, leading to poor growth or root rot. To prevent this, add grit or sand to the soil and improve drainage before planting.
Frozen soil — Planting in the winter can pose a risk to plants if the ground is frozen, as the roots are unable to establish. If you need to plant during colder months, make sure the soil is soft enough to dig and avoid planting when the ground is frosted.
Establishment issues — Sometimes, newly planted hedges struggle to establish. This is often due to poor soil conditions, inadequate watering, or a lack of space. Make sure the soil is rich in nutrients, and the plants have plenty of room.
Pests — Common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars can damage your hedge by feeding on the leaves or stems. Regularly inspect hedges for signs of pest activity, such as yellowing leaves or uneven growth, and use pest control sprays if needed.
Small or weak roots — Some plants may arrive with smaller or weaker root systems. If this is the case, be patient and take extra care during the first few months after planting. Keep them well-watered and protected from harsh conditions until their roots develop.
What if you’re not ready to plant when your hedge gets delivered?
If you're not ready to plant right away, you can store the plants for a short time.
Bare root hedges can be kept in a sheltered area like a shed, away from drying winds, for a few days to a week. If you need to delay planting for longer, the plants need to be "heeled in," which means temporarily planting them in a shallow trench and covering the roots with soil. Once planted, you will need to wait until the hedge finishes its dormant period before replanting in a permanent location.
For more detailed advice on storing and caring for bare roots, refer to our guide.
Root ball hedges should be kept moist and planted as soon as possible — particularly evergreens, which can suffer more than deciduous plants from being moved. Cell-grown plants can be stored for around a week as long as they are kept watered and in a sheltered place. Pot-grown hedges are the most flexible and can remain in their pots for several weeks as long as they are well-watered and placed on a surface that lets them drain.
Frequently Asked questions
It's generally recommended to plant your hedge at least 1 metre away from a wall or fence or leave a gap of at least half the expected mature width of the hedge. This allows the plant enough space for growth, air circulation, and pruning access. If you're working with a smaller garden with limited space, consider narrower hedge varieties like Cotoneaster simonsii or English Yew.
Yes, you can plant a hedge in a shady area — but you will need to take care when choosing the species, as not all hedges can thrive with low light. It’s also worth noting that hedges planted in full shade will take longer to grow, so you’ll need to be a bit more patient.
If you have a sheltered spot in mind, choose plants like English Yew, Privet, Cherry Laurel, and Oleaster (which also produces delightful flowers and berries throughout the year), as these species can grow with lower light levels and photosynthesise effectively with less direct sunlight.
Use a slow-release fertiliser high in nitrogen and phosphorus in early spring and then apply it again in late summer. Products like Rootgrow and Seaweed Bio-Stimulant are great for new hedges. After the first year, switch to a balanced fertiliser for continued support.
If your hedge is in a windy location, you can protect it by installing a windbreak or barrier — such as a temporary fence or netting. Adding a stake to individual plants or using a supportive framework can also provide additional stability in exposed areas. Proper watering and pruning to maintain a compact shape also help strengthen the hedge and improve wind resistance.
If your hedge isn't growing, check the soil quality, sunlight, and water levels. If you notice any issues with soil drainage, reduce your watering schedule and see if this helps — as many people often unintentionally overwater their hedges.
If the problems persist, you may need to add a gravel or grit mixture to the surrounding soil to improve drainage. Alternatively, if you're concerned about a lack of nutrients, consider using a fertiliser to boost growth.
Typically, most hedges will become established within the first year, though this varies depending on the species, maintenance, and soil conditions. You'll usually notice significant growth within two to seven years after planting, provided the hedge receives proper care — including watering, fertilising, pruning, and protection from pest and diseases.
Find hedges for every garden at Hedges Direct
No matter your garden's size or style, choosing the right hedge can transform any outdoor space into a personal oasis. From privacy screens to decorative borders, the options are endless — and with thorough preparation, planting, and aftercare, your hedge will flourish for years to come!
Ready to get started? Explore our range of hedges today at Hedges Direct and find the perfect fit for your garden.