How to Plant a Hedge

Learning how to plant a hedge can seem daunting at first but with the right preparation and techniques, it’s a fun and manageable project! Hedges are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden or outdoor space. Not only do they provide privacy and security, but they also reduce noise, act as windbreaks and enhance the overall look of your landscape.

In this step by step guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about planting a hedge, from choosing the right plants to maintaining a healthy and thriving boundary for years to come.

 How to Plant a Hedge: A Step by Step Guide for a Beautiful Garden

1. Choose the Right Hedge Plants

Before you start planting choose hedge plants that suit your garden conditions and your desired look. Key factors to consider are:

• Sunlight (full sun, partial shade or full shade)
• Soil type and drainage
• Climate and frost resistance
• Desired height and growth rate

Popular hedge plant options are:

• Boxwood – formal, slow growing, great for neat borders
• Yew – hardy and evergreen, ideal for dense privacy hedges
• Privet – fast growing and easy to shape
• Laurel – lush, glossy leaves with fast coverage

2. Plan Your Hedge Layout

Good planning ensures your hedge grows evenly and looks professional:

• Measure the length of your hedge line.
• Mark the layout using stakes and garden string to keep a straight line.
• Check spacing requirements – different plants require different gaps (e.g. 30–60cm apart depending on species and desired density).

3. Soil Preparation

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy hedge. Clear the planting area of any weeds, stones or debris. Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil to a depth of around 30cm – this improves both drainage and aeration. For best results mix in well rotted compost or organic matter to enrich the soil with nutrients that will support strong, long term growth.

4. Plant Your Hedge

Once your soil is ready it’s time to plant:

• Dig a trench along the marked line. It should be wide and deep enough to fit the root balls of your chosen plants.* Carefully remove each plant from its pot and gently tease out the roots.
• Place the plants in the trench at regular intervals, following the spacing guidelines for the species.
• Make sure the top of each root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill the trench with soil.
• Firm the soil around the base of each plant and water well to help them settle in.

5. Mulching

After planting apply a 5–8cm layer of mulch around the base of your hedge. Organic mulches like bark chips, shredded wood or leaf mould are great – they retain moisture, suppress weeds and gradually enrich the soil as they break down. Just make sure to leave a small gap around the stems to prevent rot.

6. Watering and Ongoing Maintenance

Water your hedge well during its first year especially in dry weather. Consistent moisture encourages deep root growth which leads to healthier, more robust plants.

Maintenance tips:

• Water regularly – especially during dry spells.
• Check soil moisture – water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry.
• Prune annually – this encourages dense growth and keeps the hedge looking neat.
• Fertilise in spring – use a balanced fertiliser to support new growth.

By following these steps you’ll have a thriving, long lasting hedge that adds structure, privacy and beauty to your outdoor space. With a little time and care your hedge will flourish and become a feature of your garden for years to come.

Ready to get started? Grab your tools, choose your plants and get your garden growing with a hedge that grows beautifully over time. For more advice on hedge building and maintenance, contact us today.