UK hedges are best planted as bare-root whips from November to March at 30-60cm spacing depending on species. Beech, hornbeam, and hawthorn suit most soils. Yew grows just 20-30cm per year but forms the densest, longest-lived hedge. Privet and laurel provide fast evergreen screening. Box is ideal for low formal edging under 1m. Cut bare-root plants back by one-third at planting to encourage bushy growth from the base.
Key takeaways
- Bare-root hedge plants cost 60-80% less than container-grown and establish faster when planted November to March
- Space most hedging species 30-45cm apart in a single row, or stagger in a double row at 40cm spacing for a thicker screen
- Cut all bare-root plants back by one-third at planting to force dense, bushy growth from the base
- Beech retains its copper-brown dead leaves through winter, giving semi-evergreen screening on a deciduous plant
- Yew is the longest-lived UK hedge species, with some hedges over 400 years old and still thriving
- Water newly planted hedges weekly from April to September in the first year — drought is the number one cause of failure
- Formal hedges need two trims per year (June and August); informal hedges need one trim after flowering
hedges hedging planting bare-root beech yew hornbeam privet laurel hawthorn box
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
