How Close Should You Plant Your Hedge? A Guide to Spacing and Density

Hedges are a great way to add structure and colour to your garden, but getting them to grow just right takes careful planning. Spacing is key; too much room between plants leads to patchy hedging, and planting them too close means they'll compete for nutrients or won't develop a healthy structure.

The good news is that, with the right approach, you can strike the perfect balance and create a hedge that flourishes exactly as planned. 

We'll walk you through everything you need to know about hedge density and spacing – whether you're defining your borders or simply adding greenery to your garden.

What is planting density?

Planting density refers to how many plants per square metre you add to a hole or trench and how closely they are spaced when planted. How much space you leave between plants directly impacts the hedge's final appearance, for better or worse.

A well-spaced hedge will fill out evenly, creating a thick border that looks uniform and neat without any gaps. But how do you know how much space they need? This depends on several factors, including the plant species, its growth rate, root type, and your desired final look.

Why are density and spacing important?

Planting density and spacing are about more than aesthetics. The right spacing ensures that each plant has enough access to light, water, and nutrients, allowing it to thrive without being crowded out by its neighbours.

However, this can be a difficult task. While leaving enough space is important, you also don't want to risk leaving too much – which can result in a patchy hedge or even a series of small, separate shrubs that never merge. 

Different species have varying spacing needs. Some hedges require more room to spread out, while compact species can be planted closer together for a neat, structured effect. It's also worth thinking about the final purpose of your hedge. Whether you're aiming for a dense privacy screen, a natural windbreak, or a decorative border, the spacing will play a crucial role in achieving the right outcome.

5 Considerations for planting density

When deciding how densely to plant your hedge, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your spacing depends on several factors, and here are five to keep in mind when you're preparing to plant your hedge:

1. Budget

Hedges can be planted at various densities, from thick soundproofing to a thin veil of foliage, but your budget can influence how closely you choose to space your plants. Higher planting density gives you better coverage without the wait, but if you're working with a limited budget, this can quickly add up.

If you can't afford to buy dozens of specific plants, you can space them slightly further apart 

and wait for the hedge to fill in naturally. Just be aware that lower-density planting may leave visible gaps for the first few growing seasons. 

2. Patience

If your goal is a hedge that merges quickly, high-density planting is the way to go. With this method, your plants will start touching after the first full growing season, meaning you won't have to deal with a patchy hedge for long. 

However, if you're happy to wait, you can plant at a lower density and allow the hedge to take shape gradually. Fast-growing hedge species like Leylandii can also help speed up the process without needing close spacing.

3. Planting location

Where you put your hedge can affect how densely it needs to be planted. Privacy screens need a denser hedge that provides coverage from the ground up, so using smaller plants that have been planted closer together will help achieve full coverage much quicker. 

On the other hand, decorative hedges – such as along a fence or as part of a topiary design – may not need as much density.

 4. Hedge height

The eventual height of your hedge also plays a role in determining how closely you should plant. Taller hedges require more soil, water, and nutrients to thrive, so spacing them too closely together can lead to competition between plants and weaken them over time. If you're planning a large hedge with a lot of height, opting for a slightly lower planting density will allow each plant to establish a strong root system, creating a better result overall.

Before planting, use our topsoil calculator to ensure your soil has enough nutrients to support your hedge's growth.

5. Plant species and type

This is where things can get a little bit trickier, as working out how many hedging plants you need per meter is completely dependent on the type of plant you’ve chosen. There’s no one-size-fits-all planting density that can be applied across the wide range of hedging plants that are available out there.

The density will depend on factors like:

• Species 

• Root type

• Growth rate 

• Structure

• Specified size

We would also strongly recommend referring to the product table on each of our hedging product pages, but here’s a very brief overview of how many plants you need per meter for some of our more popular species. The exact amount varies based on the size of each plant, with smaller plants generally needing a higher density.

Box (Buxus sempervirens) — Box is a slow-growing evergreen with small, glossy green leaves that create a neat, compact hedge. Traditionally used for low boundary hedging, it’s also perfect for topiary due to its dense growth and tolerance for frequent clipping.

Griselinia (Griselinia littoralis) — Griselinia is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native with thick, leathery, oval-shaped leaves. It thrives in coastal environments, as it’s highly resistant to salt and wind, making Griselinia perfect for seaside gardens

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) — A popular deciduous option, Hawthorn has dense, spiky branches and small, lobed green leaves that turn golden in autumn. In the spring, it produces clusters of white flowers, followed by red berries in autumn that attract local wildlife.

Leylandii (Cuprocyparis leylandii) — Fast-growing and evergreen, Leylandii produces dense, feathery evergreen foliage in either a deep green or golden-yellow colour. It’s one of the best choices for privacy screens, as it forms a thick, high hedge in just a few years.

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)  — Privet hedging is a semi-evergreen to evergreen hedge with small, oval green leaves that remain on the plant throughout winter in milder climates. It’s a classic choice for formal garden hedges, thanks to its dense, bushy growth and ability to be neatly shaped.

Learn more about planting and caring for your chosen hedge with our dedicated species guides.

Recommended planting density

How closely you plant your hedge will also depend on your plant's root system. We've outlined the recommended planting densities for different types to help you achieve the best results.

Pot-grown plants

Pot-grown hedging is popular for its well-established root system, making it easier to plant at various densities. Here's a general guide for how many plants to use per metre:

• 2-litre pots – A good density on average, depending on species, is 5 plants per metre, but you can plant as few as 3 per metre for a more spaced-out hedge or up to 6 per metre in a staggered double row for a fuller effect.

• 5-litre pots – On average we recommend 3 plants per metre, but 2 per metre is also acceptable if they are bushier plants. A denser hedge can be achieved with 4 per metre.

• 10-litre pots – In most cases, 2 plants per metre will create a solid hedge. You can also achieve a denser look with 3 per metre in a staggered row. If the plant is exceptionally bushy then 1 or 1.5 per metre is still viable for a looser, natural look.

Cell-grown plants

Cell-grown hedging plants are smaller but establish themselves quickly, making them a more flexible and cost-effective choice. Because they're grown in standard-sized cells, the recommended density is:

• Single row – 5 plants per metre

• Double staggered row – 7 plants per metre

Bare root plants

Bare root hedging is a budget-friendly option, especially if you want to plant deciduous species. To ensure your hedge has good coverage, the recommended planting density varies depending on the size of the plants:

• Small plants (under 1.2m) – 7 plants per metre

• Medium plants (1.2m – 1.5m) – 5 plants per metre

• Tall plants (over 1.5m) – 4 plants per metre

Discover how to set your bare root hedging up for success with our planting guide.

Root ball plants

Root ball hedging is often made up of larger evergreen species, creating an immediate impact once planted. These plants tend to be bushier, meaning they can be planted slightly further apart than smaller hedge varieties.

The recommended density varies by species, but as a guide:

• Box (Buxus) – 3 plants per metre for an immediate effect.

• Larger root ball hedging – Avoid planting too densely, as their root systems require enough space to establish. 

These are just rough guidelines, as exact densities will vary by species. For more guidance, refer to the product table on each hedging plant page for more specific information.

Learn more about how to plant root ball hedging with our comprehensive guide.

H3: Instant hedging

Instant trough-grown hedging is a quick and easy way to define your garden boundaries without worrying about spacing. Unlike other root types, these are made up of multiple plants grown together in a trough or bag, helping to give the hedge a head-start and encouraging the root systems and foliage to begin merging.

When planting instant hedging, dig a trench and slot each section into place.

H2: How many rows do I need?

When planting a hedge, choosing between a single or double row will greatly impact its density. The right option for your space will depend largely on the type of hedge you're planting and how quickly you want coverage.

H4: Single-row hedging

Single-row hedging is a common, space-saving option. This method spaces plants evenly along a single line, creating a straightforward and well-structured hedge. Evergreen hedges, like Leylandii and Privet, are often planted in single rows because they naturally grow into thicker hedges over time.

For a successful single-row hedge, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure the first and last plants in the row are positioned slightly inwards from where you want the hedge to end. This allows the foliage to grow in and leaves a smooth, green edge.

• Use a tight string line when planting to keep everything evenly spaced.

• If you're planting more densely, dig a trench rather than individual holes to encourage strong root development and save time.

H4: Double-row hedging

A double row is the better option for a hedge that provides the most coverage, soundproofing, and wind resistance. This involves planting two staggered rows of hedging in a zigzag pattern, meaning that the hedge grows fuller and thicker, with additional structural support from the elements. This method is especially useful for deciduous hedges, which tend to be less dense than evergreens.

Here are some things to consider if you're planting a double-row hedge:

• The plants should be staggered so each plant in one row sits in front of the gap between the plants in the other row.

• A double-row hedge requires more width, so this option isn't as suitable for smaller gardens.

Frequently asked questions

Can hedges be planted too close together?

While you can plant your hedges closer than recommended, this isn't ideal and can cause a range of issues – from competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients to weak growth and increased susceptibility to disease. Overcrowded hedging can also suffer from poor air circulation, which may cause thinning and discoloured foliage around the base over time.

How long will it take for my hedging plants to merge?

How quickly your hedging plants merge depends on the species, planting density, and growth rate. Fast-growing plants like Leylandii can start merging within the first growing season, while slower-growing varieties like Yew may take a few years to form a well-structured hedge without any gaps.

Generally speaking, hedges planted at a higher density will fill out more quickly, while widely spaced hedges may take longer to achieve the desired full coverage.

What will happen if there is too much space between plants?

Although it might feel tempting to err on the side of caution and give your plants more space than recommended, this comes with its own problems. If your plants are spaced too far apart, your hedge can take longer to fill in – leaving gaps that reduce its effectiveness as a privacy screen or wind barrier. It may also lead to an uneven shape and size that needs extra time and maintenance to correct.

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for an uneven or gapping hedge, so the best solution is to prevent it from happening. This means noting the suggested density for each plant when you buy it and planting a higher number of plants per metre.

However, this can be avoided by adding fast-growing smaller plants around your main hedging plants, either later or when planting your hedge.

Shop easy-to-plant hedges at Hedges Direct

Whether you're looking for a decorative garden border or trying to keep prying eyes at bay, choosing the right plants and spacing them correctly is key to creating a beautiful hedge.

At Hedges Direct, we offer a wide range of hedging plants to suit every garden and project. Never planted a hedge before? Check out our hedge planting guide for step-by-step instructions on how to set your plants up for success.