Hedge planting: species and spacing guide

Why plant a hedge?

A hedge is more than a green wall. It's a living boundary that provides privacy, breaks wind, attracts birds and shapes the character of your garden. Compared to a fence, a hedge wins on atmosphere, longevity and ecological value. Garden centres and RHS-recommended nurseries sell hedging plants individually and in cost-effective bundles.

With GardenWorld you can preview how plants will look in your actual garden. Try different hedging species and discover which suits the style of your front or back garden best.

Popular hedging species compared

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Beech retains its copper-brown leaves through winter, providing year-round privacy. Growth rate is moderate: 30 to 40 centimetres per year. Plant 5 per running metre. Beech thrives on most soils but cannot tolerate waterlogging.

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)

Privet grows fast and is semi-evergreen. In mild winters it keeps its leaves. Plant 5 to 6 per metre. It tolerates hard pruning and bounces back rapidly. Downside: needs trimming two to three times a year.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

The Rolls Royce of hedges. Evergreen, dense, elegant. Grows slowly (15 to 20 centimetres per year) but lives for centuries. Plant 4 per metre. All parts are toxic to humans and animals, so bear that in mind with pets and small children.

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Fast-growing and evergreen with large glossy leaves. Plant 3 per metre. Delivers privacy quickly but can become overbearing. Prune with hedging shears rather than secateurs to avoid ragged leaves.

Getting the spacing right

Planting distance determines how quickly your hedge fills in and how the final result looks. Too close leads to competition and weaker plants. Too far apart creates gaps that take years to close.

As a rule of thumb for a single row:

• Fast growers: 3 per metre
• Moderate growers: 4 to 5 per metre
• Slow growers: 5 to 6 per metre

For an extra-dense hedge, plant a double row in a zigzag pattern. That doubles the plant count but delivers faster results.

Planting step by step

Dig a continuous trench rather than individual holes. It's more efficient and creates uniform growing conditions. Make the trench 40 centimetres wide and 40 deep. Mix the excavated soil with compost.

Stretch a string line for a dead-straight hedge. Space the plants evenly and backfill the trench layer by layer. Firm the soil and water generously right away. Apply a 5 centimetre mulch layer.

Maintenance and trimming

Give the first trim in June, after the first flush of growth. Lightly trim the top and sides to encourage branching. In subsequent years, trim twice: late June and late August. Always trim the hedge in a trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom than the top. This lets light reach the lower leaves and prevents bare patches.

Water regularly in the first year, especially during dry spells. Feed each spring with an organic fertiliser or compost.

Common mistakes

Planting too deep is a classic. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground. Many beginners also plant too late in the season, after which summer heat exhausts the young plants.

Another mistake is delaying the first trim. The earlier you start shaping, the denser the hedge becomes. Wait too long and you'll end up with a thin hedge that barely provides privacy.

Curious which hedge suits your garden best? Design your ideal boundary at gardenworld.app and see the result instantly.