Spring is here and new projects are underway which invariably involve some hard landscaping.

New pathways and fencing can look harsh when first installed but a bit of hedging is a great way to instantly edge or soften new areas.

Planting deciduous hedging such as Fagus (beech), Crataegus (hawthorn) and Carpinus (hornbeam) now, while growth is still dormant, will give it the best start.

Evergreen and semi evergreen hedging such as Buxus (box), Ligustrum (privet) and Taxus (yew) are better planted in late autumn.

If you have ever ordered bare rooted hedging you wonder what on earth you have spent you money on when they arrive, looking like a bundle of twigs!

You may also think they will take forever to grow into a actual hedge but smaller plants often adapt better growing more dense and bushy than larger, more expensive plants which can have a higher failure rate and be more likely to look gappy.

Planting deciduous hedging:

Upon arrival soak bare roots for up to two hours. If you are not ready to plant straight away you can bed into a temporary trench and they can remain there until ready to plant out.

Container/pot grown plants should remain watered and sheltered until planted.

Dig a trench at least 60-90cm wide and 30cm or one spit (space blade) deep.

Add a soil improver such as well-rotted garden compost or manure to the bottom of the trench.

Set back the trench a little way from the boundary, approx. 90cm, to allow for the hedge to fill out and hopefully avoiding any future issues with neighbours!

Planting in a staggered double row is recommended spacing 30-60cm apart depending on the final size. 90cm for thicker hedges.

Trim back any damaged roots with secateurs, spreading out remaining roots, which should be level with the surrounding soil.

For container grown plants scrape away the compost from the root ball to reveal this point.

Backfill the hole with compost/organic matter mixed with soil dug from trench.

Firm plants in well and water.

Mulch 7cm deep around plants or alternatively you can plant through membrane both of which are good for suppressing weeds.

Newly planted hedging will need watering in dry spells for up to two years.

Try to keep weed free and top dress with general-purpose fertiliser annually.

On exposed sites hedging may need additional sheltering initially until roots have taken.