How to plant a hedge

Hedges are an excellent way to create a private and sheltered space in your garden. Hedges offer a natural solution to boundary or privacy issues and provide shelter and food for wildlife. They can be planted any time of the year, but autumn and winter are the best seasons to do so, as the roots of the plants will be dormant.

Here's how to plant a hedge in 4 easy steps!

how many plants?

First and foremost, you will need to consider the quantity of plants required to achieve a full looking hedge. We usually recommend 2.5 plants per linear metre for a fully mature hedge. For a semi mature hedge, you can plant 2 plants per metre.

However, different types of hedging plants have different growth habits, so the quantities of plants you may need could vary. it is always best to check with your local nursery.

Step 1: Dig a ditch

Measure the height and width of the largest rootball.

Use spray paint to mark out a trench that is three times wider and 5cm deeper than the rootball of the plant.

Before placing the plants in the trench, add 5cm of fresh multipurpose compost at the bottom of the trench.

Step 2: Mind the roots before planting

If the plants are potted in a container, lay them on their side on the ground and remove it. If the plants are in a wired rootball, do not remove the hessian fabric or wire. Hessian is a natural product that degrades and allows root hairs to take up water and nutrients. Leave the wire on too, so the rootball does not come apart.

If container grown, gently tease out roots with a cultivator.

Step 3: Planting

Place the rootball in the trench.

Position the plants in the trench to present their best side facing your garden. Leave a gap of 10cm between each rootball.

In a wheelbarrow, mix 2 parts excavated soil with 1 part compost, then backfill the trench. If you want to improve the soil further, you can mix in Soil Renew before filling the trench.

Step 4: Watering

Thoroughly soak each filled trench with a hose pipe and wait for it to be absorbed, then fill again. When the water soaks in the second time, rake away the trench and add a 2-to-3-inch layer of Mulch.

Stick your finger in the soil surrounding the rootball to a depth of 3 inches to check if it’s moist. If dry, you may water your hedge. Repeat the process about three times a week as the hedge is establishing.

Our recommended plants for hedging & Privacy

Prunus lusitanica

Commonly called “Portuguese laurel", this sturdy plant has dense, evergreen foliage and is tolerant to most soil types, which makes it an ideal plant for hedging.

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Taxus baccatta

Taxus baccata, also called “Common yew”, is a slow growing, hardy evergreen conifer with dense, evergreen foliage.

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PHYLLOSTACHYS AUREA

Also known as “Golden bamboo” this evergreen bamboo can be a
great way to add privacy to your garden. It can grow up to a height of around 5m and is clump forming.

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If you are not so keen on planting a hedge yourself, that's no problem! Our team of landscapers has over 20 years experience installing hedging in Irish gardens. We provide a quick and hassle-free planting service and guarantee instant impact on day one.

Our experinced team of horticulturists is available to help you choose the most suitable plant from our hedging rage at out nursery in Celbridge. Call in for a free plant consultation if you'd like to get professional advice.

Whether you're planting it yourself or appointing our team to do so, Autumn and Winter are the best time to plant! Secure your plants now before they sell out!

Contact us for a quote or visit us at our nursery.

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