How To Plant A Native Hedge: A Step-By-Step Guide

Nov 26, 2024

Are you looking for an informative step-by-step guide outlining how to plant a native hedge? Look no further! Whether you're aiming to create a natural privacy screen, a vibrant wildlife haven, or just want to add a touch of greenery to your garden, we have all the information you need. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll take you through each step of planting your native hedging whips to ensure they establish strong roots and flourish for years to come. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Hedging Whips

A note on timing - native hedging whips should be planted during the dormant season, late autumn through to early spring depending on climate and local conditions. Don’t plant hedging whips in wet, frosty or snowy conditions.

Prepare to Plant Native Hedging

Our blog, How To Prepare For Planting Native Hedging; An 8-Step Guide will tell you everything you need to know about preparing your site for planting.

Once preparations have been made:

Dig the Planting Hole for Hedging Whips

For single-row planting, dig a trench that’s about 30cm deep and 45cm wide along a marked line.
For double-row planting, dig a trench that’s about 30cm deep and 90cm wide along a marked line.
If planting individually, dig holes that are about 30cm deep and wide enough to comfortably fit the roots of each whip.
Make sure that the trench is deep enough to place the roots comfortably without crowding them.
Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained for root growth. You might need to use a spade or a garden fork to break up the soil at the bottom of the trench to allow the roots to penetrate the soil more easily.

Prepare the Hedging Whips for Planting

Our native hedging plants are supplied as bare-root whips, meaning they are freshly dug up from the ground without soil around their roots.

Remove the whips from their packaging and make sure they are healthy with moist roots and undamaged stems. If necessary, soak their roots in water for about 30 minutes to hydrate them before planting.

Space Your Native Hedging Plants

For single-row planting, space the plants about 30cm apart along the trench or in individual holes.
For double-row planting, space the plants about 30cm apart in each row, and leave about 45cm between the two rows for proper air circulation. The rows should be staggered, so the plants in the second row are offset from those in the first, to create a fuller hedge.
If planting in rows with a mixture of species, consider the mature size of each species to avoid overcrowding.

Plant the Native Hedging Whips

Place each whip in the hole or trench, ensuring the roots are spread out and not twisted. The root collar (the point where the roots meet the stem) should be slightly below the soil surface. This helps prevent the roots from drying out and encourages healthy growth.
Make sure the hedge is vertically aligned then cover the roots with soil. Then, backfill the hole or trench with soil, gently firming it down around the roots to remove air pockets. Be careful not to compact the soil too much.

Fill Gaps In Native Hedgerows

When filling gaps in an existing hedgerow, you can trim back or coppice nearby plants to allow more light to reach the new plants, helping them establish more successfully. Alternatively, if light levels are still low, consider planting shade-tolerant species like blackthorn or holly next to established shrubs for better growth.

Water In The Newly Planted Native Hedging Plants

After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. This also helps reduce transplant shock.
Keep the plants well-watered for the first few months, especially in dry spells, until they establish strong roots.

With these simple steps, your hedging whips will soon establish themselves and begin to grow into a beautiful, wildlife-friendly hedge. Find out more about how to care for your newly planted hedge, including tips on installing protective guards and using weed-suppressing mulches, in our advice blog Establishing Hedging Plants: How To Care For Your Newly Planted Hedge.

For a vibrant and diverse hedge, consider planting our native British hedging mixtures . Including a variety of native species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and field maple, our hedging mixes produce healthy, wildlife-friendly hedges that blend naturally into the British landscape, providing seasonal interest and supporting local biodiversity.