Although the dormant months may still seem a little way off, now is a great time to start preparing for the bare root season. Whether you’re planting a new hedge, creating a woodland area or gapping up an existing hedge, a little organisation now will help ensure a smooth and successful planting season later in the year.

Start Planning Your Planting Project

One of the best ways to prepare for the bare root season is to plan your order early. Knowing what you’ll need before pre-orders open means you can secure the right plants before popular species begin to sell out.

Bare root trees and hedging are only available during their dormant season, typically from November through to March. As demand increases each autumn, some species and sizes can become limited, so planning ahead gives you the best choice and helps avoid disappointment.

Take some time now to consider:

• How many plants you’ll need.
• Which species best suit your site and objectives.
• Whether you’ll need tree guards, stakes, ties or other planting accessories.
• When you’d like your plants delivered during the November to March planting season.

BN11 Hedge Planting Grant Renewed

The BN11 grant has been renewed for another year. Through the Countryside Stewardship scheme, eligible landowners can claim £22.97 per metre for planting new native hedges. This funding provides an excellent opportunity to enhance biodiversity, improve the landscape, and create valuable wildlife habitat while helping to offset planting costs.

Applications opened in July. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the 2026 guidance and application process and apply early. Last year’s Capital Grants offer were extremely popular. The grant reopened at the start of July and closed to new applicants in early August after the available budget was fully allocated. With demand expected to remain high, it’s advisable not to delay your application.

At King & Co, we supply native hedge packs that fully comply with BN11 requirements. Each pack contains a carefully selected mix of at least five native species, with no single species accounting for more than 70% of the planting. This makes it simple to meet the specification while establishing attractive, wildlife-friendly hedgerows.

Pre-Ordering

If your BN11 application is approved, you’ll be ready to secure your planting stock as soon as pre-orders open. King & Co’s bare root pre-orders begin in late September. Allowing you to reserve the plants you need well before the busiest part of the season.

Even if you’re not planting through a grant scheme, pre-ordering your bare root trees and hedging is one of the best ways to prepare for the season. Many of the most popular species and sizes are in high demand each year, so reserving your stock early gives you the widest choice and the confidence that everything will be ready when planting conditions are right.

Pre-ordering also makes planning much easier. It allows you to arrange delivery for the ideal planting period between November and March (when bare root plants are dormant and ready to establish successfully).

Preparing for the bare root season now can make all the difference once autumn arrives. By planning your project, checking your grant eligibility where applicable and placing your order early, you’ll be able to make the most of the bare root planting season.