How to Plant Bare Root Hedge Plants
Step by step guide to planting a bare root hedge
1. Once the plants have been received they should be planted as soon as possible, ideally within 2-3 days to ensure they do not dry out. If you are unable to plant within this period you can store the bare root plants or heel them. Click the links to our guides to storing bare root plants and heeling in.
2. When you are ready to plant your bare root plants, ensure that the depth of the hole is enough to cover the whole of the root system but no deeper, therefore the size of your planting hole will depend on which size of the plant you bought. A soil mark should be visible which shows the depth the plants have been growing at in the fields. Planting any deeper will have an adverse effect on the plant, causing the stem of the plant to rot which could cause the plant to fail. The trench or planting hold should be twice the width of the roots so that you can spread the roots out
3. You do not need to enrich the soil unless it is very poor in which case you can add well-rotted manure or garden compost to provide extra nutrients and structure to the soil. The amount used should be in proportion to the volume of the soil removed from the planting holes (ie approx one third compost to two thirds soil). If the soil has poor drainage, adding sharp sand or coarse grit will improve the drainage. Most plants do not do well in waterlogged soil
4. Although it is not necessary to use Rootgrow at the planting stage, all plants benefit from its application. Sprinkle Rootgrow onto the plant roots (or pre dip the roots into a Rootgrow solution – follow instructions on the pack)
5. Make sure all the roots are enclosed in the planting trench or hole, and that all the roots are facing downwards
6. Settle the plant into the soil, backfill and firm the soil around the plant so that all the fine roots are in contact with the soil. This is crucially important because the fine roots are the feeding roots and they must be in contact with the soil if they are to get nutrients and water. You need to firm in the soil with your boot but not so firmly that water runs off rather than penetrating the soil
7. If planting in an exposed location or planting taller plants (90cm upwards) then we recommend staking with a bamboo cane to prevent the plants being blown about. This will ensure that the root system is not disturbed whilst establishing itself in its new situation. Root rock is common in windy situations and it exposes the roots to cold air and prevents close contact between the roots and the soil which is very harmful
8. If rabbits or voles are in the vicinity, then rabbit guards are also advised, supported using a single 90cm bamboo cane
9. Water in really thoroughly – watering helps tiny soil particles stick to the roots. We recommend at least a bucket of water on every plant. You then need to keep the new hedge plants well watered - this is crucial to the plants getting established. Please see our Aftercare advice page.
10. With deciduous species, you will get a bushier hedge if you are prepared to cut back the newly planted plants by about one third immediately after planting. That seems a waste but it works! Evergreen leading stems should not be cut until the hedge has reached the desired height but you can trim the sides.
Additional hedge buying, storing and planting advice from Hedge Nursery ...
Buying a Hedge for the First Time
Aftercare for a Newly Planted Hedge