Rootball Hedging: Planting & Care Guide
Rootball hedging is supplied with soil around the roots, wrapped in hessian for protection. Plant from autumn to early spring while plants are dormant, avoiding frozen, waterlogged or very dry ground.
Planting
Plant as soon as possible after delivery. Keep rootballs cool, moist and protected from wind until planting.
Water each rootball thoroughly before planting.
Dig a trench approximately twice the width of the rootballs and no deeper than their height.
Position plants at the recommended spacing, with the top of each rootball level with the surrounding soil.
Leave natural hessian in place, as it will break down in the soil. Remove plastic wrapping, and loosen or cut away any string from around the stem.
Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently to remove air pockets. Avoid adding fertiliser directly around the roots.
Water deeply after planting and apply a 5–8 cm layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the stems.
Aftercare
Water regularly and deeply during the first two growing seasons, particularly in dry or windy weather. A soaker hose laid along the hedge provides slow, even watering directly to the root zone. Check beneath the soil surface rather than relying on rainfall alone.
Keep a weed-free strip around the hedge, as weeds and grass compete for moisture and nutrients. Top up the mulch annually and use stakes or support wires where plants are exposed to strong winds.
Avoid heavy feeding in the first season; a balanced slow-release fertiliser can be applied in spring once the plants are established.
On a site where there is a limited depth of topsoil , strip off the topsoil and move it to one side. Dig out the clay / subsoil and fill the trench with rich free draining topsoil to a minimum depth of 18 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide