What to Plant in April: A No-Nonsense Guide
Share This Article: April is go time. If you’re thinking about planting hedging, trees, or topiary — don’t wait. The soil’s warming up. The roots
Our hedging plants range from 15cm to 600cm, offering flexibility for every need. Here’s what to consider:
Smaller Sizes (15–150cm): Budget-friendly but require denser planting for a full hedge. Ideal for long-term projects or those who enjoy nurturing their garden.
Larger Sizes (150cm+): More expensive but need fewer plants per meter. Perfect for instant privacy or immediate visual impact.
Balance your budget and timeline to choose between gradual growth satisfaction or an instant, established hedge.
The ideal starting size is typically 110–130 cm, balancing cost and quick establishment.
If you’re still not sure where to start, please contact us and we will be happy to help!
Bare Root
Cost-effective | Quick to plant | Low delivery cost
Bare root plants are sold without soil, lifted from fields during dormancy (October to April).
Root Ball
Mature | Affordable | High survival
Field-grown with soil intact, wrapped in burlap and in some occasions metal wire, and typically available from October to April.
Pot Grown
Year-round | Flexible planting | Highest survival
Pot-grown plants are grown in containers, available year-round, and can be planted anytime unless the ground is frozen.
When planting hedging plants, choosing the right density is essential for achieving a beautiful, lush hedge. Here’s a helpful guide tailored to the size and root type of your plants:
Bare root plants are cost-effective and great for dense coverage:
15–150 cm Plants: Space 4–6 plants per meter for even, uniform growth.
150 cm+ Plants: Space 3–5 plants per meter to create a fuller hedge.
You can plant in a single row for a traditional look or use a zig-zag formation for quicker and denser results.
Root ball and pot-grown plants have more developed roots and bushier growth, requiring fewer plants per meter:
15–90 cm Plants: Space 3–6 plants per meter.
90–150 cm Plants: Space 2–4 plants per meter.
150–250 cm Plants: Space 1–3 plants per meter.
250 cm+ Plants: Space 1–2 plants per meter.
Free specialist delivery on qualifying orders: At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to the size and type of plants you order, ensuring they arrive in excellent condition and ready to transform your outdoor space. We offer free specialist delivery on qualifying orders across most of the UK.
Typical lead time – around 3–4 weeks: Most orders take approximately 3–4 weeks to prepare and deliver. This time allows us to carefully source from our extensive range, prepare your plants to our high standards, and ensure everything arrives in peak condition.
Kerbside delivery only: All deliveries are kerbside, meaning your plants will be unloaded at the front of your property (driveway or kerbside) and will not be carried beyond this point. It is your responsibility to move the plants to their final location once delivered.
Safe place required: Please specify a safe place for box, pallet or van deliveries in your order notes. If none is provided, drivers will leave your order where they deem reasonable. Pallet and large tree deliveries require flat, solid access such as tarmac, concrete or brickweave – we cannot deliver onto gravel, shingle, grass or public roads or pathways.
Be available on the day of delivery: It is essential that you are contactable on your provided phone number in case the driver needs to reach you. If access is restricted, no safe place is available, or the driver is instructed not to leave the order, delivery will fail and additional delivery charges will apply or you may need to collect from the local depot.
Plan ahead: We recommend not booking landscapers or gardeners solely based on estimated delivery dates, as occasional delays can occur due to factors beyond our control. For full details, view our Delivery Policy or contact us for advice before ordering.
If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) is a beautiful tree, known for its distinctive white bark that peels away in papery layers, revealing a warm orange underbark. It’s perfect for hedging because of its elegant, upright growth and ability to create a natural privacy screen. Not only will it provide shelter, but the peeling bark and bright golden-yellow leaves in autumn will give your garden year-round interest.
Paper Birch is a fast-growing tree, typically adding 30-60 cm per year. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hedge that fills in quickly. It’s a great plant for creating an immediate effect and establishing privacy in a short time. Over the years, it can reach 12 meters tall, but it’s easy to keep it manageable with a little pruning.
Yes, Paper Birch works well in smaller gardens! Its growth habit is narrow and upright, which means it won’t take up too much space. You can prune it to maintain a manageable height and shape, making it suitable for tighter areas. Its striking bark and seasonal colour changes also make it a great focal point in smaller spaces.
Not at all! Paper Birch is relatively low-maintenance. While it does need regular watering, especially in its early years, once established, it’s quite hardy. It does best in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of conditions. If you’re using it for hedging, the occasional pruning to maintain shape and size is all it needs.
Yes, it’s a fantastic choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden! Paper Birch provides shelter for birds and insects, especially during the winter when other plants might be dormant. The tree’s seeds and sap attract birds and pollinators, making it a helpful addition to any garden looking to support local wildlife.
Paper Birch thrives in well-drained soils and loves full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It’s adaptable to different soil types, whether sandy, loamy, or clay-based. Paper Birch does best when it’s kept moist, especially during dry spells, and is hardy to colder temperatures, making it perfect for UK gardens.
Paper Birch can grow up to 12 meters tall, but when used as a hedge, it’s easy to control. Regular pruning can keep it at a smaller size if you’re aiming for a lower hedge or privacy screen. Its slender form and elegant height make it ideal for creating visual interest without overwhelming a garden space.
Free Nationwide Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on qualifying orders, making your purchase convenient and affordable.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips
Benefit from personalized consultations with our horticultural specialists to find the perfect plants for your garden.
High-Quality Plants from Leading Growers
Our plants are sourced from Europe’s top growers, ensuring they are healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive.
Extensive Variety to Suit Every Garden
Explore a wide selection of plants, trees, hedging, and topiary. Can’t find what you need? We’ll help source it for you.
Competitive Prices with No Compromise on Quality
Enjoy premium-quality plants and services at prices that fit your budget.
5-Star Aftercare Support
From detailed care and watering guides to expert advice just a call away, we’re here to assist you every step of the way—before, during, and after your purchase.
| Product Type | Size | Minimum Order Quantity | Order Increment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Root Plants | 15-30cm | 100 plants | Step up by 5 |
| 30-50cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 | |
| 50-70cm | 25 plants | Step up by 5 | |
| 71cm+ | 10 plants | Step up by 1 | |
| Pot Grown Plants | 15-30cm | 50 plants | Step up by 5 |
Share This Article: April is go time. If you’re thinking about planting hedging, trees, or topiary — don’t wait. The soil’s warming up. The roots
A coastal garden combines hardy plants, natural textures, and a relaxed feel to create a low-maintenance outdoor space inspired by the seaside. Find out how to bring it to life in your own outdoor space in this Coastal Garden Style Guide.
A detailed, step-by-step guide on how your plants are carefully dispatched from our nursery and delivered to your doorstep. Learn what to expect upon arrival, how to handle your plants after delivery, and the most responsible ways to dispose of packaging for a more sustainable gardening experience.
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