Bareroot hedging plants are young, dormant plants supplied without soil around their roots. They are grown in open fields and lifted during the dormant season, making them lightweight, cost-effective and easy to handle. The ideal planting window in the UK is from November through to March or April, while the plants are still dormant. Planting earlier in autumn gives the roots more time to establish before spring growth begins. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

For a standard single-row garden hedge, we recommend planting 3 plants per metre, spacing them approximately 33cm apart. If you prefer a thicker, denser hedge, a double staggered row works well with around 4-5 plants per metre, spaced 45-50cm apart along each row with 40-45cm between rows. To calculate the number of plants you need, simply measure the length of your hedge in metres and multiply by your chosen planting density. Native mixed hedging for wildlife or countryside boundaries may benefit from 6 plants per metre in a double row.

Water each plant thoroughly immediately after planting, around 5 litres per plant, even in winter. Continue watering twice weekly during the first year, especially during dry spells. Apply a 5-7cm layer of bark mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect roots from frost. Leave a small gap around the stems to prevent rot. In spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong new growth. Keep the area around your hedge weed-free for the first two years. Be patient as bareroot plants can be slower to leaf out initially but will establish strong root systems.

Bareroot hedging plants are lifted from the ground during their dormant season (November to March) and supplied without soil. They are significantly cheaper than pot-grown plants because they cost less to grow and transport. Bareroot plants often establish faster as their roots spread freely into the surrounding soil. However, they can only be planted during the dormant season. Pot-grown hedging comes in containers with soil and can be planted year-round. They have a higher success rate as the roots remain undisturbed, but they are more expensive. For long hedges or budget-friendly planting, bareroot is the ideal choice.

Most bareroot hedging plants will show strong new growth in their first spring after planting. Faster-growing species like Cherry Laurel, Hawthorn and Privet can put on 30-60cm of growth per year once established. It typically takes 3 to 5 years for a bareroot hedge to form a dense, mature screen, although this varies by species and growing conditions. To encourage faster establishment, ensure consistent watering, regular mulching and annual fertilising. Lightly trimming the sides in the second year helps promote bushy, dense growth rather than tall, leggy stems.