Which Size Hedge Plants Should You Order?

Choosing Which Size Hedge Plants to Order

Many hedge plants are delivered in sizes ranging from little 40/60cm tall unbranched 'whips', up to almost two metre, bushy specimens for the most popular species.

• If you are in a hurry for privacy and need instant impact, then of course pick the biggest size that fits your budget.
• If you are filling gaps in an existing hedge, large size replacements are usually better, but small plants are easier to slide into soil full of roots. Inspect the ground well and test getting a spade or pickaxe down along it.

Smaller plants have several advantages

• Cheaper
• Easier to plant
• Establish well because they are dug up with most of their roots intact
• Need less water in their first summer (but watering is still essential in dry weather)
• Can be clipped attentively to ensure a bushy base & dense growth 

So Which Size Hedging Should I Order?

• Farmers and other large scale hedge or forestry projects prefer plants 40/60cm tall: it's the minimum required size for Countryside Stewardship hedging, and has the best success rate in field conditions. Conifers for forestry typically have to be sold a bit smaller, e.g. 20/40cm tall for a Sitka Spruce.
• Many home gardeners choose 60/80cm tall as a great compromise between price, size, and waiting time until you get a mature hedge.
• Plants over 80cm tall are good for creating privacy ASAP, filling gaps in mature hedges, and when they suit your budget. Remember, big plants need more water in their first year to thrive.
  Rootballed Yew is the biggest hedging we deliver, along with Instant Hedge Troughs of Beech, Cotoneaster, or Hornbeam.