What to Plant in April: A No-Nonsense Guide

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April is go time.

If you’re thinking about planting hedging, trees, or topiary — don’t wait.

The soil’s warming up. The roots are ready to run. And if you get your plants in the ground this month, they’ll reward you with faster growth, stronger structure, and better resilience through summer.

We’ve made it easy: here’s what to plant, how to do it right, and what to avoid.

Jump Right In

Why April Is Prime TIme for Planting

  • Soil’s warm enough to encourage root growth

  • Rain does half the watering for you

  • Longer daylight helps plants settle fast

You get the best of both worlds: cool enough for transplanting, warm enough to trigger growth. That sweet spot won’t last long.

Top Plants to Put in the Ground This Month

Here’s what’s thriving in our nursery and ready to plant now — whether you’re after privacy, structure, or standout style.

Hedging (for privacy, shelter, and structure)

Cherry Laurel
Fast-growing. Evergreen. Dense enough to block out the neighbours and the wind.
Plant 2 per metre for a full hedge.

Red Robin (Photinia)
That iconic red flush in spring. Hardy and stylish. Works as a hedge or a feature plant.

Hornbeam
Native, elegant, and holds its copper leaves through winter. Plant before root ball season ends.

Privet
Tough, reliable, semi-evergreen, and great for mixed-use spaces or smaller gardens.

Yew
The classic formal hedge. Takes time, but lasts generations. Perfect for shaping and structure.

 

Trees & Topiary (for impact, shade, and form)

Standard Trees
Olive, Hornbeam, Portuguese Laurel — they all go in beautifully right now. Stake them well and water deeply.

Topiary Balls, Cones, Spirals
Clean lines and crisp shapes that ground a garden. Spring planting lets them establish before the summer heat.

Pleached & Umbrella Trees
Architectural trees do best when planted early. Good prep and good staking make all the difference.

How to Plant Like a Pro

  • Water before you dig
    Roots need moisture from the start. Give them a good soak before they go in.

  • Dig wider, not deeper
    Twice the width of the pot or root ball. That’s your zone for root growth.

  • Improve your soil
    Mix in compost or a biological soil improver like BioLife. Healthy soil = healthy roots.

  • Water deep, once or twice a week
    Shallow watering doesn’t cut it. Get that moisture down to root level.

  • Mulch the base
    A 5–7 cm layer of mulch holds moisture and keeps weeds away. Think of it as a duvet for your soil.

 

Avoid These April Planting Mistakes

Planting too deep or too shallow

The top of the root ball should sit exactly level with the surrounding soil — no higher, no lower. If it’s buried, the stem will rot. If it’s exposed, the roots will dry out. Measure and adjust.

Skipping mulch

If you don’t mulch, you’ll lose moisture fast and invite weeds to compete for nutrients. Use composted bark or well-rotted organic matter around the base of every plant, 5–7 cm thick.

Watering too little, too often

Light daily watering barely reaches the roots. Plants need a proper soak once or twice a week. If you’re not getting the soil wet 10–15 cm down, it’s not enough.

Planting root ball stock too late

Root ball hedging should go in before the end of April. After that, it risks drying out and failing to establish. If you’re planting in May or later, switch to container-grown options.

Cramming too many plants together

Plant spacing should always match the size of the plant you’re putting in the ground — not just the species. A 40–60cm Cherry Laurel in a 10L pot needs very different spacing from a 160–180cm root ball Laurel.

Overcrowding causes airflow problems, irregular growth, and long-term maintenance headaches. If you want a dense screen, you can stagger planting, but don’t squeeze plants closer than their mature width allows.

Here’s a general rule of thumb by plant size, not just species:

  • 10L container plants (40–80cm): 3 per metre

  • Root balls or 20L+ containers (100–150cm): 2 per metre

  • Specimens 180cm and up: 1 per metre or more

If you’re planting larger trees or topiary (standards, multi-stems, pleached forms), spacing depends on the canopy spread and shape — not just the trunk spacing. For example:

  • Pleached trees usually go at 120–150cm centres for a solid screen

  • Topiary balls or cones need 1–1.5m spacing depending on size

Always measure your available space and plan for the plant’s final size, not just its current look in the pot.

Final Word: Plant Now, Reap Later

April doesn’t wait — and neither should your planting. Good prep and timing this month can save you years of frustration later.

If you need advice on spacing, species, or soil types, get in touch. Our team works with trade pros, designers, and homeowners every day. We’ll help you get it right.

And if your garden’s already thriving? Send us photos. We love to see what you’re growing.

Want Help Choosing The Right Plants?

Call us on 01603 327269 or email sales@harrodsoutdoor.com
Or browse the full range at www.harrodsoutdoor.com

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