Planting Hedges and Shrubs: Planning, Planting & Selection

A hedge gives your garden structure. It creates privacy, protects against wind and provides a home for birds. Proper planning and planting determine its success and maintenance requirements. We show you how to do it.

Why are hedges important for your garden?

Hedges are more than a green wall. They are living features. A well-chosen hedge improves your garden's microclimate. It filters dust, reduces noise and provides shade.

Compared with fences or walls, a hedge looks more natural. It blends into the garden and changes with the seasons. Birds nest in the dense branches, while insects find food there.

Privacy screening with ecological benefits

A dense hedge protects you from prying eyes. Choose evergreen shrubs such as yew or cherry laurel for year-round privacy. Deciduous hedges such as hornbeam do not provide complete screening in winter, but their delicate branch structure is attractive.

The ecological value is high. Native shrubs such as hawthorn or European beech support biodiversity in your garden. Exotic plants such as thuja, on the other hand, provide little food for insects.

A hedge is the backbone of a garden. It divides the space, creates a sense of security and connects us with the seasons.

How do you plan a hedge properly?

Good planning prevents problems later. First, clarify its purpose. Do you want privacy screening, a boundary or a decorative border? The answer determines the height, density and choice of plants.

Check the location. How many hours of sunlight does the planned area receive each day? Is the soil sandy, loamy or rich in humus? A soil analysis provides certainty. You can find the garden supplies you need for preparation in our shop.

Distance from neighbours and paths

Find out about local regulations. Many councils have rules on the distance hedges must be planted from boundaries. Keep at least 50 centimetres from the property boundary, and more for tall hedges.

Allow enough space for the mature hedge. A hornbeam hedge can easily grow two metres wide. You need to be able to trim it from both sides, so leave room to work.

Which shrubs are suitable for which type of hedge?

There is a wide choice. Decide between deciduous and evergreen plants, and between fast and slow growth. Also consider the amount of maintenance required.

For formal, clipped hedges, boxwood, yew or hornbeam are suitable. They tolerate hard pruning. For informal, flowering hedges, plant forsythia, butterfly bush or weigela.

Classic plants in German gardens

• Hornbeam: Hardy, tolerant of pruning and deciduous; the old leaves often remain attached until new growth appears.
• European beech: Similar to hornbeam, but with reddish autumn foliage that remains brown in winter.
• Privet: Fast-growing, semi-evergreen and very undemanding; ideal for tall privacy hedges.
• Yew (Taxus): Evergreen, extremely tolerant of pruning and slow-growing; all parts of the plant are poisonous.
• Cherry laurel: Evergreen, very fast-growing, requires plenty of space and is not native.

For nutrient-poor or acidic soils, conifers such as arborvitae (thuja) or false cypress are an option. However, they are susceptible to disease if planted in the wrong location.

Choose mixed hedges made up of different species. This increases resistance to pests and looks more natural than a monotonous row.

When and how do you plant hedges?

Autumn is the classic planting season. The soil is warm and the plants focus their energy on root growth. You can also plant container-grown plants in spring when the ground is frost-free. Avoid hot summer days.

Step-by-step planting guide

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to spade depth. Remove stones and weed roots. Mix heavy soils with sand.
2. Dig a planting trench: Dig a trench twice as wide as the root ball. Its depth should match the height of the root ball.
3. Prepare the roots: Place potted plants in a bucket of water until no more bubbles rise. Leave balled plants in their hessian wrapping.
4. Plant and align: Place the shrubs in the trench. Stretch a string line to create a straight row. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
5. Water and fill: Fill half the trench with soil and water thoroughly. Then fill it completely, gently firm down the soil and create a watering rim.

Water thoroughly after planting. A layer of bark mulch helps retain moisture. Check the soil moisture regularly during the first few weeks.

How do you care for hedges after planting?

Care determines the hedge's health and shape. In the first year, regular watering is essential. After that, fertilise in spring with an organic fertiliser.

Pruning is the most important maintenance task. Lightly trim new hedges in the first year to encourage branching. Trim established hedges once or twice a year. The best time is late June and, if necessary, February.

Identify pests and diseases early

Keep an eye on your hedge. Yellow needles on thuja indicate fungal infection or a lack of water. Webbing on boxwood indicates box tree moth. If you notice an infestation, act quickly with a suitable plant protection product.

Strengthen the plants from the outset. Healthy shrubs chosen for the right location are more resilient. Avoid waterlogging and planting too closely.