Care Guide: How to Keep Your Hedge Healthy and Thriving

Share This Care Guide:

Whether you’ve chosen young starter plants or opted for more immediate impact with hedging screens or units, this guide is tailored to help you nurture your hedge into a lush, thriving green screen specifically focusing on the most important first two years after planting.

Hedges offer a multitude of benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. They provide essential habitats and food sources for wildlife, supporting biodiversity by attracting birds, pollinators, and other beneficial creatures. Additionally, hedges act as natural windbreaks, reduce noise pollution, and improve air quality by filtering pollutants. In urban and rural settings alike, they contribute to environmental health and can even enhance your property’s value by adding privacy and structure.

To ensure your hedge flourishes for years to come, it’s crucial to engage in regular care and observation. Monitor your plants for signs of stress, such as drooping leaves, discoloration, or dry soil. Be vigilant for pests and diseases, and adjust your watering practices to accommodate changing weather conditions. Promptly addressing any issues will promote a healthy, vibrant hedge that stands the test of time. If you’d like to find out best practices of how to care for your newly planted hedge then keep reading!

 

Care Guide Overview

Preparing for Planting

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect plants for your garden, it’s time to get ready for planting. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your hedge grow strong and healthy. Here’s how to make the process simple and stress-free.

Clear The Planting Area

Start by clearing the area where your hedge will go. Remove any weeds, grass, or debris, as these can compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Use a garden fork or hoe to loosen the soil and get rid of any stubborn roots. For larger areas, you can use a weed suppressant a couple of weeks before planting to make the job easier. A clean, weed-free space will give your hedge the best possible start.

Prep The Soil

Good soil is the foundation of a thriving hedge. Loosen the ground to about a spade’s depth (around 30–45 cm) to help the roots spread easily. If your soil tends to hold too much water (like clay soil) or dries out quickly (like sandy soil), you can improve it by mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure. This will make it easier for your plants to take up the nutrients and moisture they need.

Dig a Trench

Rather than digging individual holes, dig a trench along the line where you want your hedge to grow. A trench makes planting simpler and ensures the roots have plenty of room to spread. Make it as deep as the root ball of your plants and twice as wide to give the roots plenty of space. If you want your hedge to follow a straight line, use string and pegs to mark it out before you start digging.

Enrich The Soil

Before planting, add some controlled-release fertilizer or organic material like bone meal to the bottom of the trench. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to establish themselves quickly. Mix it into the soil to avoid concentrated pockets that could harm the roots. This simple step helps your hedge get off to a strong start.

Space Your Plants

Proper spacing is key to a healthy, full hedge. Follow the recommendations for your chosen species, making sure there’s enough room between each plant for it to grow without crowding. As a general rule, space smaller plants closer together (around 30–60 cm) and larger plants further apart (up to 1 meter).

Hydrate Your Plants

If you’re planting bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for about an hour before planting. This keeps them hydrated and reduces the risk of transplant shock. For container-grown plants, water them thoroughly before you take them out of their pots. If you have opted for a rootball plant, water the root ball thoroughly.

Final Preparations

With the trench ready, soil enriched, and plants spaced out, you’re all set to start planting. By taking these simple steps, you’re giving your hedge the best chance to grow into a lush, green feature that will enhance your garden for years to come. Preparing your site doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about creating the right conditions so your plants can thrive. Now, let’s get planting!

Planting and Protecting Your Hedge

Planting a hedge, regardless of the style or type you choose, follows some fundamental principles. Whether you’re working with bare-root plants, container-grown hedging, pre-grown screens, modular elements, or units, the goal is to establish a strong foundation that ensures healthy, robust growth. This generalised guide will help you confidently plant your hedge and set it up for success.

Position Your Plants into Place

Start by arranging your hedge plants along the trench or holes you’ve prepared. Place them on the soil surface to visualize the layout and make any adjustments before planting. Ensure the spacing between plants matches the recommended guidelines for the species you’ve chosen. This spacing is crucial for even growth and helps the hedge fill out properly over time. For pre-grown screens, elements, or units, align the plants tightly to avoid gaps and create a seamless appearance. Check the height and alignment from multiple angles to ensure the hedge line looks straight and uniform.

Set the Plants in the Ground

Carefully lower each plant into the trench or hole. For bare-root plants, spread the roots out naturally so they don’t overlap or bunch up. Container-grown plants should have their roots gently loosened before planting, especially if they’re root-bound. Pre-grown screens or modular units should be placed securely with their bases level with the surrounding soil. Make sure the plant’s root collar (where the stem meets the roots) is at soil level. This prevents the plant from being buried too deep or left too exposed, which could harm its growth. For pre-grown screens, elements, or units, align the plants tightly to avoid gaps and create a seamless appearance. Check the height and alignment from multiple angles to ensure the hedge line looks straight and uniform.

Backfill the Soil

Once the plants are positioned, begin backfilling the trench or holes with the soil you’ve prepared earlier. As you add soil, gently firm it down around the roots with your hands or a trowel to eliminate air pockets. Be careful not to compact the soil too much, as this can restrict water and air flow to the roots. For larger hedging styles like screens or units, ensure the soil is evenly packed around the base to stabilize the plants and prevent them from shifting. Make sure the plant’s root collar (where the stem meets the roots) is at soil level. This prevents the plant from being buried too deep or left too exposed, which could harm its growth. For pre-grown screens, elements, or units, align the plants tightly to avoid gaps and create a seamless appearance. Check the height and alignment from multiple angles to ensure the hedge line looks straight and uniform.

Water Thoroughly

After planting, water the hedge thoroughly. This is a critical step as it helps the soil settle around the roots and ensures good root-to-soil contact. Use enough water to soak the soil to the full depth of the trench or holes. If you’re planting during a dry season, consider installing a temporary irrigation system to maintain consistent moisture.

Add Mulch

Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weed growth. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the base of the plants to prevent rot or fungal issues.

Add Support and Protection

For taller hedging options like pre-grown screens or modular units, provide temporary support with stakes or wires to keep the plants upright, especially in windy areas. Ensure the ties are loose enough to allow for growth but secure enough to stabilize the plants. For bare-root plants, consider adding hedge guards to protect the young stems from browsing animals like rabbits or deer. Hedge guards also shield the base of the plants from harsh weather conditions and accidental damage. Install the guards around the plants immediately after planting and secure them firmly to prevent movement.

Final Check and Adjusments

For taller hedging options like pre-grown screens or modular units, provide temporary support with stakes or wires to keep the plants upright, especially in windy areas. Ensure the ties are loose enough to allow for growth but secure enough to stabilize the plants. Once all the plants are in place, step back and assess the hedge from different angles. Adjust any plants that are leaning or misaligned to ensure the hedge looks uniform and straight. This is your opportunity to make minor corrections before the hedge establishes itself.

A Timeline for Caring for Your Hedge: The First Two Years

The first two years after planting your hedge are crucial for its establishment and long-term health. Below is a detailed timeline to guide you through the key care steps during this critical period.

First Month After Planting

Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting and continue watering every 2–3 days, depending on weather conditions. Adjust frequency during rain.

Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your hedge to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Weed Management: Remove any weeds that appear to minimize competition for nutrients and water.

Initial Check: Inspect plants for transplant shock, such as drooping leaves, and ensure soil around the roots remains moist.

 

Month 2-3

Watering: Reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Focus on deep watering to encourage roots to grow downward.

Weeding: Continue regular weeding around the hedge to prevent competition.

Light Pruning: For some species, light pruning may be done at this stage to encourage branching. Avoid heavy cutting as the plants are still establishing.

Monitoring: Check for signs of pests or diseases, such as discolored leaves or stunted growth, and address promptly.

Month 4-6

Feeding: In spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth. If planting occurred in spring, wait until the following spring to feed.

Watering: Adjust watering to once a week or as needed. Hot, dry weather may require more frequent watering.

Pruning: Begin shaping the hedge lightly if necessary, focusing on removing dead or damaged growth.

Pest and Disease Checks: Continue monitoring for pests like aphids and diseases such as mildew. Take corrective action early to avoid spreading.

 

Month 7–12 (End of Year 1)

Autumn Feeding: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer in autumn to strengthen the roots for winter.

Winter Protection: Protect young hedges in frost-prone areas with fleece or windbreak netting. Evergreen hedges should be watered before the ground freezes to prevent drying out.

Pruning: In late summer or early autumn, lightly trim the hedge to maintain its shape.

Weeding and Mulching: Reapply mulch if it has broken down, and continue removing weeds.

 

Year 2, Month 1–6

Watering: Water during dry spells or when the soil feels dry at the base of the plants. Gradually reduce frequency as the plants establish deeper roots.

Feeding: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong new growth.

Pruning: In late spring, begin shaping the hedge more regularly, particularly for formal hedges. Focus on encouraging lateral growth to fill out gaps.

Weeding: Keep the area around the hedge weed-free to maximize resource availability.

 

Year 2, Month 7-12

Watering: By this stage, your hedge should need less frequent watering. Water only during extended dry spells.

Feeding: In autumn, apply a root-strengthening fertilizer (potassium-rich) to prepare the hedge for its second winter.

Pruning: Prune in late summer and early autumn to maintain the desired shape and encourage denser growth. Avoid heavy pruning late in autumn, as new growth may be vulnerable to frost.

Weeding and Mulching: Reapply mulch as needed and continue weeding.

 

End of Year 2

By the end of the second year, your hedge should be well-established with a strong root system and healthy growth. Regular care will transition into long-term maintenance, including seasonal pruning, occasional feeding, and watering during droughts.

This timeline provides a clear structure to ensure your hedge thrives during its critical establishment phase. Adjust based on your specific hedge species, soil, and weather conditions for the best results.

 

More Resources

For even more insights into hedges and their care, the RHS website offers a wealth of additional information to complement what you’ll find here. It’s a great resource for exploring specific questions or expanding your knowledge further.

 
 
Share This Article: