8 rules for planting a hedge

by Arthur Lainsley · Published 27.09.2025 · Updated 19.10.2025

During work, specific rules must be followed to ensure that this impressive element of the cottage landscape successfully fulfills its purpose.

There are only a few rules, but they are all essential!

Table of Contents

Rule 1: Roots must not dry out

When planting plants with an open root system, the roots must not be allowed to dry out. Therefore, dug or purchased seedlings must be placed in a plastic bag with moist sawdust before planting and tied tightly above the root system.

Planting a hedge

Rule 2: Trim the roots before planting

Before planting, carefully inspect the roots of the plants to ensure they are healthy and disease-free. Trim any dry tips and remove any damaged parts. When planting, spread out the root system.

Rule 3: Use clay slurry

To help transplanted plants take root more effectively, dip their roots in a slurry made from soft clay and mullein. To learn how to create and use it correctly, you can just read the article 15 Most Common Mistakes When Planting Plants, where point 10 is devoted to this issue. By the way, don’t ignore the others either.

Rule 4: Consider the characteristics of the species

The density of planting depends on the biological characteristics of the plants, the type and height of the hedge, and the number of rows. Shade-tolerant, slow-growing species and plants with narrow crowns are planted more densely than fast-growing, light-loving species with wide crowns.

Denser planting can be used in shaped hedges, while in free-growing hedges, it should not be too thick. Shrubs and trees will grow, and they mustn’t crowd each other out. To decorate the space between young plants, consider using annual flowers or fast-growing, herbaceous perennials.

Rule 5: Maintain distances

It is essential to maintain the recommended distances between plants in hedges for both single-row and multi-row plantings. It is important to remember that in a multi-row hedge, plants should be arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

Hedge type: shaped walls:

Distance between plants in a row: 31.5 – 47 inches;

Distance between rows: up to 3.3 feet.

Hedge type: free-growing walls:

Distance between plants in a row: 3.3 – 6 feet;

Distance between rows: up to 6.5 – 10 feet.

Hedge type: shaped hedges:

Distance between plants in a row: 2 – 3 feet;

Distance between rows: 2 – 3.5 feet.

Hedge type: free-growing hedges:

Distance between plants in a row: 1.6 – 2 feet;

Distance between rows: 2 – 3 feet.

Hedge type: shaped borders:

Distance between plants in a row: 0.4-0.6 feet;

Distance between rows: 0.6-0.8 feet.

Hedge type: free-growing borders:

Distance between plants in a row: up to 1 foot;

Distance between rows: 1 – 1.3 feet.

Rule 6: Water and mulch

The soil around planted plants must be well compacted, watered, and mulched with sawdust, crushed bark, or peat to reduce moisture evaporation and suppress weed growth.

8 rules for planting a hedge

Rule 7: Prune the plants

Plants take root better if they are pruned after planting. This is done at the same height from the ground along a stretched string, as well as on the sides at 1/3 or 1/2 of the average length of the shoot. Note: if you’re using material that isn’t explicitly designed for hedges, you’ll need to cut the planted plants to a height of 8-12 inches above the ground.

Rule 8: Choose the direction

If the primary purpose of the future hedge is to protect against the wind, the rows of plants should be planted perpendicular to the direction of the wind.

❓ Questions and answers

Can I plant a hedge any time of year in the U.S.?

It depends on your region’s climate. In many U.S. zones, early spring or early fall (when soil is workable and temperatures are moderate) is ideal for planting hedges. Avoid planting during heat waves or deep freezes to reduce stress on newly planted shrubs.

How far apart should I space hedge plants?

Spacing depends on the type and species of the hedge. For formal hedges, plants might be spaced closer (e.g., 2–3 feet apart), while for natural or privacy hedges, spacing can be wider (e.g., 3–6 feet). Always follow the biology of the species used and local guidelines.

Would you like me to prune immediately after planting?

Yes — a light initial pruning helps balance root-to-shoot ratio, reduces water loss, and encourages even growth. Cut the top to a manageable height and trim side branches slightly, following the method described in the article.

How should I water and mulch a newly planted hedge?

After planting, water deeply to settle the soil around the roots. Then, apply a layer of mulch (e.g., bark chips, shredded bark) around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots against temperature swings. Avoid letting mulch come into direct contact with the stem.

Which direction should I orient my hedge?

The hedge rows should often be planted perpendicular to the dominant wind direction (if wind protection is an aim). Also consider sun exposure: many hedges do better when they receive balanced light rather than extreme shadow or full sun all day.

Arthur Lansley: Certified arborist with 15 years of experience. Specialist in trees, shrubs, and landscape design. I can help you choose, plant, and maintain your trees.

My profile

Arthur Lansley is our dendrologist and expert on trees, shrubs, and landscape design. Arthur has been fascinated by the power and beauty of trees since childhood, spending his summers in the forests of Oregon. His passion grew into a profession: he earned a degree in forestry and dendrology from Cornell University. For over 15 years, Arthur worked as an arborist and landscape designer at Portland Nurseries, specializing in ornamental shrubs, conifers, and the creation of private garden spaces. He is an ISA-certified arborist and a true expert in tree disease diagnosis and rejuvenation methods. Arthur currently advises private landowners and municipal services on the preservation of old-growth trees and the selection of sustainable varieties for different climate zones. In his garden in Vermont, he collects rare species of maples and magnolias, experimenting with their shaping. In his articles for GardenWiseHub, Arthur not only gives practical advice on pruning and care, but also teaches readers to understand the “language” of trees, seeing them not just as an element of the landscape, but as living, long-lived companions.