How to plant a bare-root hedge

Home
How to
Grow plants
How to plant a bare-root hedge

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 24 September 2019 at 4:49 pm

Find out how to plant a bare-root hedge in winter, with the help of our practical guide.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTo Doyesyesyesyesyes

Save

The perfect time to plant a new hedge is between October and February. Bare-root hedging plants, like beech, hornbeam and yew are ideal as they're cheap and easy to plant during the dormant season.

Before planting your bare-root hedging, prepare the site by digging over the ground 30cm either side of the hedge line. Also, remove weeds and add bonemeal to promote root growth, as you go.

To get bare-root hedge plants off to the best start, it's critical that the roots are kept moist after delivery. Unwrap, then soak the bundle for an hour in a bucket of water, then plant.

Here's how to plant a bare-root hedge.

You Will Need

Bare-root hedging plants
Secateurs
Garden spade
Line and reel or length of wood

Total time: 1 hour

Step 1

Pruning the roots

Lightly prune the roots of the bare-root plants with secateurs to encourage vigorous new growth.

Step 2

Digging a V-shaped trench

Cut a V-shaped trench as deep as the plant roots. Ensure it's straight by using a taut line.

Step 3

Spacing the hedging plants

Insert plants into the trench at 45cm spacings – this is suitable for most hedging plants.

Step 4

Planting the hedging plants

Ensure plants are at the same depth they were previously and tread soil in around their roots.

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.