If you’re looking for information on ​how to establish a native hedge on a tight budget, you might find this article helpful. Here we’ve outlined the types of plants you should use, highlighted commonly used varieties and provided guidance on planting techniques.

What type of plants are good for a tight budget?

For those looking to establish a native hedge while keeping costs down, we recommend considering bare root plants. These plants are sold without soil around their roots, making them a particularly budget-friendly option.

Bare root plants are grown in a field and then lifted during the dormancy period, which generally runs from November to March. As they are supplied without soil or containers, they are more affordable than container-grown plants. Using bare root plants can result in a saving of up to 70% over those grown in containers! Their lighter weight often leads to reduced delivery charges too!

What varieties should I use?

We offer a wide selection of native bare root plants, some of which are available in convenient mixed packs. Our native hedging pack is particularly popular, containing a blend of species commonly found in hedges across the British Isles. This pack consists of  70% Hawthorn with the remaining 30% divided among varieties such as Field maple, Hazel, Dogwood and Dog rose. The plants in this pack are usually 40-60cm tall.

We also have individual plant packs that are available in minimum quantities of 25. These plants generally start at 40-60cm tall, but certain species can reach up to 2.1m in height!

How many plants will I need?

Although bare root is very easy to plant and is proven to be a very successful method of hedgerow establishment. However, it is important to note that a 5% overall failure rate is considered acceptable with bare root planting. When planning your planting density it is wise to factor in this potential failure rate.

If planting 40-60cm or 60-90cm tall plants in a clear run we usually recommend that you plant 5 plants per metre in a double staggered row.

What accessories should I use?

To ensure your planting projects are successful, we offer a comprehensive selection of accessories. Our range includes essential items like canes and guards, which provide vital support for upright growth and protect your young plants from rabbits and deer. Using these accessories can significantly increase the survival and establishment rates of your newly planted bare root plants, helping them to flourish. In addition, we can supply practical irrigation solutions such as ‘leaky pipes‘. These systems offer a convenient and reliable method for maintaining consistently moist soil.

Hopefully this helped to explain how to establish a native hedge on a budget. While our bare root plants are only available during their dormant season, you do have the option to pre-order your budget-friendly hedge before the season begins!