Storing, Planting, and Aftercare of Plants
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Bare Root Plants
If you are unable to plant your bare root plants within a couple of days of delivery, please follow the guidance below carefully.
1. Remove the plants from the box or pallet and check that the roots are moist. If necessary, dampen them by briefly dunking the roots in a bucket of cold water for a minute or two. Do not leave them soaking. Once moistened, allow the roots to drain and then re-wrap them in the bags they arrived in.
2. Store the plants somewhere cool, dark and protected from frost and drying winds. An unheated garage or shed is ideal. Do not store them in a greenhouse, as even winter sun can raise the temperature too much. If you do not have a suitable building, store them outside in a shady, sheltered spot with no direct sunlight and no wind exposure.
3. Check the plants every couple of days to ensure the roots remain moist. Whatever method you use, always allow excess water to drain before placing the roots back into bags. Standing water at the bottom of the bag can cause the roots to become waterlogged.
4. If very low temperatures are forecast, protect the roots with sacking, straw, cardboard or similar insulating material. If the roots do freeze, leave them undisturbed until they have completely defrosted. Frozen roots are brittle and can be easily damaged when handled.
Heeling In Bare Root Plants
If you cannot plant within a week of receiving your bare root plants, or if weather conditions are unsuitable, it is best to heel in the plants until you are ready to plant permanently. This temporary planting method will keep bare roots in good condition for several weeks or even a couple of months, although you should always aim to plant as soon as possible.
Do not use Rootgrow when heeling in. Wait until permanent planting before applying it.
1. Dig a narrow trench or hole large enough to hold all the roots, ideally in a shady position where the soil is not compacted. Looser soil is better. The trench should be approximately 30cm deep, or deep enough to accommodate the entire root system.
2. Dig the trench so that one side slopes at approximately a 45-degree angle.
3. Keep the plants in their bundles with labels attached and water them thoroughly. Ideally, stand them in a bucket of water for up to 10 minutes, but do not leave them submerged longer than this. Alternatively, run a hose over them to fully wet the roots.
4. Place the plants tightly together in the trench. Do not space them as you would when planting the hedge. Lean them against the sloping side so that the stems rest on the slope and the entire root system sits within the trench.
5. Cover the roots with soil or sand and firm thoroughly. Air pockets can fill with water and damage roots during frost.
6. If rainfall is insufficient, water regularly. Because many plants are grouped together in a small space, each plant must receive adequate moisture.
7. If you do not have space in beds or borders, you can heel-in the plants in containers or bags of compost. Ensure the roots are fully covered, and the soil is firmed well. Plants in containers will usually require more frequent watering.
Plants can remain heeled in for several weeks. However, they must be planted into their permanent positions before they break dormancy in early spring. Moving them after growth has begun can damage the root systems.
Planting Bare Root Plants
1. Plant as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within 2–3 days. If this is not possible, store or heel-in the plants. See our guides to Storing Bare Root Plants and Heeling In.
2. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the entire root system, but no deeper. A soil mark on the stem usually indicates the previous planting depth. Planting deeper can cause stem rot. The hole or trench should be approximately twice the width of the root spread to allow roots to be laid out naturally.
3. Soil improvement is not usually necessary unless the soil is very poor. In that case, mix well-rotted manure or garden compost at approximately one-third compost to two-thirds soil. If drainage is poor, incorporate sharp sand or coarse grit. Most plants do not tolerate waterlogged soil.
4. Although not essential, plants benefit from Rootgrow at planting. Sprinkle Rootgrow directly onto the roots or pre-dip roots in a Rootgrow solution according to pack instructions.
5. Ensure all roots are fully enclosed within the planting hole and are facing downward.
6. Backfill and firm the soil thoroughly so that fine feeder roots are in close contact with the soil. This is essential for water and nutrient uptake. Firm with your boot, but not so hard that water runs off rather than soaking in.
7. In exposed locations or when planting taller plants (90cm and above), stake using a bamboo cane to prevent root disturbance. Root rock in windy conditions can severely affect establishment.
8. Where rabbits or voles are present, fit rabbit guards, supported by a 90cm bamboo cane.
9. Water thoroughly immediately after planting. We recommend at least one bucket of water per plant. Continue watering regularly during the first growing season. See our Aftercare advice page.
10. For deciduous species, cutting back by approximately one-third immediately after planting will encourage bushier growth. Evergreen leaders should not be cut until the hedge reaches its desired height, although side growth can be trimmed.
Spacing Distance for Hedge Planting
Correct spacing is essential for achieving the desired result. Planting density depends on the hedge type, plant vigour and the final height required. Taller hedges generally benefit from slightly wider spacing. A single row is suitable for most gardens, while a staggered double row produces a denser hedge suitable for windbreaks, shelter or livestock-proof planting.
Evergreen species are usually planted in single rows unless density is critical. Deciduous species are generally better in staggered double rows. Beech and Hornbeam may be planted either way.
Countryside Stewardship grant schemes require six plants per metre in a staggered double row.
If you are not claiming a grant, you may plant more densely for quicker screening or less densely to reduce costs and encourage taller plants. Recommended densities are shown on each species page, but these are guidelines only. We are always happy to advise before purchase.
Spacing Distance for Tree Planting
For woodland creation, saplings are typically planted at approximately 1 sapling per 2.5 square metres (around 1,600 saplings per hectare). For hedgerow trees, we recommend approximately one tree every 10 metres, although spacing can be adjusted depending on your objectives.
Aftercare of Newly Planted Hedges and Trees
A few crucial factors will determine the success of your plant establishment.
Watering a New Hedge
Watering is the most important factor. From early spring, plants require substantial moisture to support new root, leaf and flower growth. Normal summer rainfall is not sufficient for newly planted hedges. Water thoroughly and regularly throughout the first growing season and during dry spells thereafter. Apply water slowly over a wide area so it penetrates deeply. Continue watering during dry autumn or winter periods. Watering requirements reduce in the second year but remain important during prolonged dry spells.
Keeping the Area Weed-Free
Keep both sides of the hedge or all around the trees free of weeds for at least 2–3 years. Weeds compete for moisture and nutrients. After hand-weeding or careful herbicide use, apply mulch such as bark chippings, compost, or mulch mats to suppress further growth and conserve moisture. Keep mulch clear of stems and always water thoroughly before applying it.
Some deciduous species, particularly Hawthorn, may develop mildew in warm, damp weather. This appears as a grey coating but is generally not harmful and usually disappears when leaves fall in autumn.
We do not provide specific product recommendations for pests or diseases, as accurate diagnosis requires inspection. For further information, search online for "plant pests and diseases" followed by the species name.
Trimming a New Hedge
Trimming should only be carried out when there is no risk to nesting birds. It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy an active nest, eggs or birds. If hedging species are carrying fruit, delay cutting until late winter or early spring to provide food for wildlife.