Bare Root Hedging

Bare-root hedging is a popular and cost-effective method of planting hedges, shrubs, and trees. We dug up these plants during their dormant period, usually in autumn or winter. After, we rinse off the soil around their roots so they're ready for shipping. This method of planting is ideal for large-scale projects, such as creating a hedge along a property boundary or planting a windbreak.

Advantages of bare-root hedging

1. One of the main advantages of bare-root hedging is its cost-effectiveness. Because the plants are dug up during the dormant period, they do not require the care and maintenance that potted plants do, making them less expensive to purchase and plant. Additionally, because they are not in soil or pots, they are lighter and easier to transport, which can also save on costs.

2. Another advantage of bare-root hedging is that the plants can be planted at a much denser spacing than container-grown plants, resulting in a thicker and more mature-looking hedge in a shorter amount of time. This is because the roots of bare-root plants are not constrained by the size of a container and can spread out and establish themselves more quickly.

When planting my bare-root plants?

When planting bare-root hedging, it is important to plant the plants as soon as possible after purchase, as the roots will start to dry out if left out of the ground for too long. The planting hole should be at least twice as wide as the roots and deep enough to cover the roots completely. The soil should be well-draining and loose, and the plants should be spaced at the appropriate distance for the desired hedge width.

How to care for bare-root plants?

After planting, the hedge should be watered well and mulched to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. It is also important to fertilize the hedge regularly to promote healthy growth.

• Give the plants adequate water to help them establish themselves and begin growing. The hedge should be watered well immediately after planting and then regularly until the plants are established and actively growing. This can typically take several weeks to a few months, depending on the weather and the species of plant.

• Mulching is another important step in the care of bare-root hedges. Mulch is a layer of organic material, such as straw, wood chips, or leaves, that is spread around the base of the plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is important for the newly planted hedge. It also helps to keep the roots cool and protected from extreme heat or cold.

• Regular fertilisation is also important for promoting healthy growth in bare-root hedges. The fertiliser provides plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive. The type and amount of fertiliser used will depend on the species of plant and the soil conditions, but a general-purpose fertiliser is usually sufficient. 

• In addition to watering, mulching, and fertilizing, bare-root hedges may also need to be pruned or trimmed to control their size and shape. This is especially important for fast-growing species that can quickly become too tall or wide for their space. Pruning should be done in the dormant season after the plants have become established.

Why you should buy bare-root hedging at Fernhill

In conclusion, bare-root hedging is a cost-effective and efficient way to plant hedges, shrubs, and trees. It is a great option for large-scale projects, and the plants can be planted at a denser spacing than container-grown plants, resulting in a thicker and more mature-looking hedge in a shorter amount of time. However, it is important to plant the plants as soon as possible after purchase, to fertilise and water the hedge regularly and to mulch the hedge to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Explore our wide range of hedging plants, including Fagus Sylvatica, Green Beech Hedging, Copper Beech Hedging, Prunus Laurel Hedging, Whitethorn Hedging and many more.