Conifer Hedging Plant Guide

Hedges Direct stocks a variety of premium quality and stunning fast-growing conifers. This hedge plant species is popular to have in the garden, particularly Leylandii conifers, as they tend to grow the quickest. Western Red Cedar is another popular conifer species that grows exceptionally fast.

Did you know that the average Leylandii growth rate is 75-90cm a year - perfect if you're looking to achieve a tall hedge quickly?

Contrary to popular belief, the Leylandii conifer plant requires a similar amount of trimming and maintenance to any popular Laurel Hedge. When pruned, Leylandii is a relatively easy hedge to keep to a desired height and shape, making a great addition to any garden landscape.

Read Hedges Direct's article on High Hedge Disputes for more information about conifer hedge law. The article explains the legalities surrounding such disputes and hedging conifers.

The conifer hedge plants that we supply vary significantly in size and each species has different growth characteristics; therefore, the planting density per metre alters following that. Recommended planting densities are indicated against each plant in the product table found on the relevant species page. However, conifers do grow reasonably quickly both in height and width, being substantially larger when they reach maturity and so sometimes, less is more!

You must plant according to the species requirements for growth, as well as for the eventual height of the hedge you want to achieve. This is so that you can ensure that the plants have room to develop and don't unnecessarily encroach on each other. If your desired hedge height is anything up to 6ft, then you would need on average 2-3 plants per metre dependent upon initial height and size. However, if you're looking to grow a tall hedge that is 6ft plus, then planting only one plant every 60cm-100cm is adequate, although it will take a slightly more extended period for the hedge to knit into a seamless screen.

It's worth remembering that if they grow too densely and tightly packed, it can potentially restrict the airflow within the hedge, which can lead to conditions under which the plant is susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.

If you notice your conifer hedge turning brown, it is important to identify the cause. Brown patches toward the exterior of the plant can be triggered from poorly timed pruning, i.e. pruning a conifer in summer when it has been consistently dry or hot. They can also be as a result of pests or disease. Conifers, like any other plant, have certain susceptabilities and can suffer from aphid or scale insect attack as well as certain fungal or baterial infections.

The RHS information page Conifers: Brown Patches has comprehensive information about the symptoms, causes, prevention and control and we'd recommend reading this if your hedge is displaying problem patches.

For more information about conifer hedging or any of our other fast-growing hedge plants, speak to Hedges Direct's expert team on 01257 263 873 or email us at [email protected]