Bare Root Hedging Plants

Bareroot hedges - from November to March each year

So what do we mean in the nursery industry when we say ‘bareroot’? We mean hedging that has been grown in a field and then lifted when dormant for planting out into hedges by our customers.

Why do we do this? Because the alternative method of growing in containers is much more costly and not always necessary. Hedging plants are quite happy to be transplanted in this way as long as a few simple rules are remembered. Do not expose the roots to long periods of sunlight or drying winds. Keep them away from heat and in a frost free building or vehicle between lifting and replanting. We refer to these plants as hardy. Plants such as Hawthorn, Field Maple, Dog Rose, Dogwood and Hazel can all be handled in this way.

So, instead of paying several pounds for a container grown hedging plant, hedgingtoyourdoor.co.uk can provide bareroot plants for a few pence each!

The key to successful establishment of bareroot plants is the ‘heeling in’ when planting. Great care should be taken to ensure the hedging is heeled in tight to obtain good root/soil contact. Also ensure that the soil is well prepared before planting to enable the roots to find oxygen and ensure the drainage is adequate. Hedges that stand in water during wet periods will always decline and quite often die.

After your bareroot hedge has been established for a couple of seasons you may want to cut the tops back by around a third of the total height. This will encourage your hedging to bush out and become much thicker.

All in all, probably the best and most cost effective method of establishing a native hedge that may live for several centuries!

For more information on planting bareroot please click here.