Information

 Information

At HedgingPlants.com we stock a wide range of hedging plants for delivery to locations all over the UK. When it comes to delivery we have a number of different methods for transporting plants including bare root hedging, rootballed hedging and pot grown.
 
Each of these varieties are grown to different specifications and are suited to different times, environments and requirements. To understand the difference between each of our transit hedging categories, please read the information below.

Bare Root Hedging

Bare rooted plants can only be sold and transplanted successfully when dormant in the winter months; the season for planting runs from early November until early April. We supply literally tens of thousands of these plants every week during the winter season to retail and trade customers nationwide. Our bare root hedge plants are lifted from the field and the soil is shaken off the roots. They are tied into bundles for ease of handling and prepared for dispatch by securing a plastic inner bag over the roots to prevent them drying out. They are protected further by a strong, thick protective outer wrapper and are ready for their journey. Almost all of our hedging plants are delivered within 24 hours of leaving the nursery to ensure you receive top quality, nursery fresh plants.

Our bare root hedge plants are grown in nursery fields in the soil. Some varieties such as Laurel, Privet and Box are grown from cuttings under controlled conditions and subsequently grown on outdoors. Many other species are grown from seed, particularly the native species such as Beech, Quickthorn, Hornbeam and Yew. These can be purchased as young one year old seedlings, or as older plants that have been kept on the nursery to grow into larger sizes. We have photos of all of our bare root hedge plants on the site, giving you a clear idea of the plants you will receive.

How to plant bare root hedging

We recommend you plant your bare rooted hedge plants as soon as reasonably possible. They can be left in their packaging for up to a week provided they are kept in a frost free (but unheated) place out of direct sun and strong winds. If you are unable to plant within a week or so then we recommend the plants are ‘heeled in’ – this means planting them temporarily in their bundles making sure the roots are well covered with a protective layer of soil. They may be kept like this for weeks or even months quite happily, but ideally you should aim to have them planted in their final positions by the middle of March - before the new buds start to swell.

Why choose bare root hedging?

Bare rooted hedge plants are a great (and economical) choice for establishing a new hedge. It is normal to experience a few losses (less than 5%) and we recommend customers order a few extra plants that can be popped in somewhere convenient (such as the corner of a vegetable patch or the back of a border) to replace the occasional failed plant at a later date.
Some bare rooted hedging plants that are evergreen or semi evergreen, such as Laurel or Privet, may show yellowing or shed some of their leaves after they have been planted, particularly in the spring as temperatures rise. This is perfectly normal and is the plant's response to reduced water loss while new roots establish; they may look rather ‘scrappy’ and disappointing to begin with, but new leaves will emerge later in the season.

 

During this period it is essential that the new hedge is well watered to help establishment. In some situations it might be better to consider pot grown hedge plants of the same species, as there is no root disturbance and therefore no ‘moulting’ or yellowing of the foliage in spring - provided they are kept well watered while they establish.

Rootballed hedging plants

Rootballed plants are too large and heavy to deliver with our parcel carrier and so are delivered with a pallet courier (Pallet Force) who deliver within 48 hours of leaving the nursery to ensure you always receive fresh, top quality plants. We ‘shrink wrap’ the plants onto the pallet (this is basically like oversized and extra strong cling film) to make a secure and stable load and to protect the plants from damage and from drying out in transit. Our sales team will always call you to book delivery on a convenient day.

Why choose rootballed hedging plants


These are older, more established plants that are great for a more instant effect. They are grown in our fields here in Kent for several years and lifted with our specialist Holmac rootballing machine with the immediate soil, which is wrapped in hessian to protect the roots for transport. Rootballed plants are available during the winter season from October-April when they are dormant and are a great (and comparatively low cost) choice for the size of plant.

How to plant rootballed hedging

 

Rootballed plants should be planted as soon as reasonably possible after receipt. If you cannot plant them straight away they may be left on the pallet with the wrapping intact for a few days. If there is a longer delay the plants should be unpacked and stood in a sheltered spot out of direct sunshine and drying winds with the ball of soil covered, to prevent it drying out. They should be inspected regularly, and the soil of the rootball kept moist by watering gently if required.


During the first spring after planting when temperatures rise, some of the evergreen species may show a yellowing and drop some of their leaves while they establish. This is perfectly normal and they will re-leaf as the new roots grow later in the season. During this period it is essential that your new hedge is kept well watered. We sell thousands of these larger plants every month to gardeners and trade customers all over the country.

Pot grown plants


We grow all our own pot grown hedging plants on 10 acres of container beds here on the nursery. Orders are picked and dispatched daily to ensure you receive fresh top quality plants. Smaller plants/orders are packed into our bespoke protective twin wall boxes and delivered by Tuffnells Parcel delivery service; over 95% are delivered the next day. Larger orders/plants are packed onto pallets in the same manner as our rootballed hedge plants and delivered within 48 hours. If you have a pallet delivery we will always call you to book it in on a convenient day.

How to plant pot grown plants


After receipt you should unpack the plants as soon as reasonably possible, although they can stay in their packaging/on their pallet for a few days if the weather is not too hot. If you cannot plant straight away they should be stood in a sheltered spot out of strong sun and winds to protect from drying out. Provided you keep a close eye on watering, the plants can be kept as long as required until you are ready to plant.

Instant hedging plants


Our instant Hedging Plants are available in a number of forms and of various ages. These are essentially pot grown younger pre-trimmed hedges, and can be supplied as 4 plants in a 1 metre unit. Hedging elements are supplied in a protective biodegradable cardboard trough instead of being wrapped in hessian (which is planted with the hedge).

How to plant instant hedging

The same principles as pot grown hedge plants apply; there is no rush to plant if it is not possible to immediately. The hedge units can be kept well watered in a sheltered spot until you are ready.

 

Your new hedge can be kept in the same manner as rootballed plants, keeping them in a sheltered spot and well watered for a week or two if need be, although we recommend you plants reasonably quickly before the trough begins to degrade.


Instant rootballed hedge units – these are individual, pre trimmed hedge plants and should be treated in the same manner as conventional rootballed plants.