How to Plant Root Ball Hedging: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Root ball hedging plants are an excellent option for gardeners after fast-growing, thick hedges with minimal effort. But to truly make the most of these plants, it’s worth knowing a bit more about them and how they can transform your garden.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about root balls, including their appearance, when they’re available, and why you might choose them over hedging root types.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, learning about your root ball hedging plants will set you on the right path for creating a thriving hedge that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.

• When to plant Root Ball Hedging.

• When not to plant root ball hedging.

• How to prepare the planting site.

• How to plant root ball plants in 4 steps.

• Root ball hedge troubleshooting.

• Frequently asked questions.

• Popular root ball hedging plant species

When you choose to plant your root ball hedge can make a real difference to how well it establishes, so it's worth getting this bit right from the start.

Ideally, you should plant your new root ball hedge as soon as possible after it arrives. This gives the roots the best chance to settle in and avoids them drying out while they're waiting around. If this isn't possible, learn what to do with your root ball hedging when it arrives here.

Before you get started, check that the ground isn't frozen solid, waterlogged, or buried under snow, as these conditions can make planting tricky and stunt your hedge's growth right from the off.

The sweet spot for root ball hedging season is during the dormant period, which usually runs from November to March here in the UK. During these cooler months, the plant's growth naturally slows down, making it far less likely to suffer from transplant shock (when a plant struggles to thrive after being moved). This gives the roots plenty of time to get comfortable and establish themselves before the busy growing season kicks in come spring.

Getting your planting site prepped makes all the difference to how well your hedge thrives, even if you're only working with smaller plants. Here are the steps you'll need to follow for a happy, healthy hedge:

• Clear away any weeds — Weed control is absolutely crucial to make sure your plants have access to enough nutrients. Before you start planting, remove any visible weeds so they're not competing for resources and growing space.

• Enrich the soil — Dig over the soil to loosen it up, and consider working in some well-rotted garden compost to improve the overall condition. For the best results, boost your soil nutrient levels with fertiliser or bonemeal. If you're using bonemeal, just make sure it's properly mixed through the soil rather than sitting in clumps, as direct contact with your plants' roots, stems, or leaves can cause scorching.

• Dig your trench — Root ball plants need a deeper and wider trench compared to other hedging types because their root systems are already well established and can be quite large. Aim for a trench that's one-third wider than the root ball and roughly the same depth as the root ball. For smaller plants (up to 60cm tall), you're looking at a trench that's at least 30cm (12") wide and 25cm (9") deep. Larger plants will need more depth to give roots room to spread out and establish.

• Loosen things up — Use a fork to loosen the sides and bottom of the trench. This breaks up any compacted lumps, creates better drainage routes, and gives those newly emerging roots something to grip onto as they start exploring their new home.

Single-row root ball planting

If you're planting a single row of hedging, the width of your trench needs to match the size of your plants to give them enough room to establish properly.

Here's a handy guide to trench widths based on plant height:

Plants up to 60cm tall — prepare a trench at least 30cm wide
Plants up to 120cm tall — prepare a trench at least 40cm wide
Plants up to 200cm tall — prepare a trench at least 50cm wide
Plants over 200cm tall — prepare a trench at least 60cm wide

Double-row root ball planting

Planning to create a denser, fuller hedge with a double row? You'll need to factor in extra width to accommodate both rows comfortably.

Here's what you're aiming for based on plant height:

Plants up to 60cm tall — prepare a trench at least 50cm wide
Plants up to 120cm tall — prepare a trench at least 60cm wide
Plants up to 200cm tall — prepare a trench at least 70cm wide
Plants over 200cm tall — prepare a trench at least 80cm wide

Once you've prepped your planting site and are ready to go, it's time for the main event: getting those root ball hedges into the ground. 

We've broken the process down into four straightforward steps for the best results:

1. Prepare the roots

Start by taking a good look at the root ball and checking for dead or damaged roots. Carefully trim these away using clean secateurs, as this encourages healthy new growth and stops potential problems from spreading.

You can also give your plants a boost by applying a root supplement like Rootgrow (as recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society). Simply dust it over the root ball to encourage strong root development. This clever powder is packed with friendly fungi that help plants find moisture and nutrients in the soil. We also recommend mixing a fertiliser like bonemeal into your topsoil — just make sure it doesn't come into direct contact with your plant's roots or stem to avoid scorching. Alternatively, sprinkle it on the soil surface and water it in.

If your root ball has a burlap or hessian wrap, it's important to leave it on. While it might be tempting to remove it, this coating will naturally biodegrade over time without harming the soil. In fact, the wrapping actually helps protect the roots whilst they're getting established in their new spot.

2. Plant the hedge

Place the root ball into the trench or hole you prepared earlier, making sure the top of the ball sits level with the soil surface. Don't bury the stem or plant the roots too deep, as this can suffocate the plant and cause all sorts of problems down the line.

Make sure each plant stands completely upright rather than leaning at an angle. Any slanting now could put your hedge at risk of toppling over as it grows taller and heavier, which is the last thing you want after all this effort. Invest in Canes or Stakes from Hedges today.

As you work along, place each plant equally apart to create a neat, even line. This spacing prevents the roots from competing for resources and gives each plant room to flourish.

3. Backfill the trench

Next, you'll need to fill the trench or hole back in with the soil you dug out earlier, firming it down gently as you go to remove any air pockets. This creates good contact between the roots and the surrounding soil, which helps them establish properly.

It's crucial you don't go overboard with the firming, though. You want the soil to be snug around the roots, not compacted so hard that water can't drain through.

4. Mulch and water thoroughly

Once your hedge is planted, it's time to give it a really generous watering. This helps the soil settle around the roots and gives the plant the moisture it needs to start establishing. As a rough guide for evergreens, you should aim for about 5 litres per smaller plant (under 1 metre tall), 10 litres for medium plants (1 to 2 metres), and 20 litres for larger plants (over 2 metres).

Keep a close eye on your hedge over the following weeks, especially during dry spells, to make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely.

It's also a good idea to mulch the soil at this stage. Apply a layer of organic matter, whether that's bark chips, garden compost, or similar, around your new hedge (but not touching the stems themselves) to keep weeds at bay and help the soil hold moisture. Aim for a layer at least 5-8cm (2-3 inches) deep and as wide as the strip you've prepared.

This works well for most root ball hedging plants, though Box and Yew can be more susceptible to root diseases if too much moisture is trapped in the soil, so use your own judgement when planting these species.

Even with careful planting, root ball hedges occasionally run into a few hiccups as they settle in. The good news is that most of these issues are straightforward to solve with a bit of attention and know-how. 

1. If your hedge isn’t establishing properly

If your hedge doesn't seem to produce any new growth, the roots may not have made proper contact with the soil due to air pockets, compacted soil, or insufficient watering.

Solution: Check that the soil around your plants isn't too dry or loose. Water deeply to help settle the soil and encourage root spread. Gently firm any loose areas and keep the soil moist for a few weeks after planting.

2. If the hedge is leaning or unstable

Plants that weren't placed fully upright can start to lean as they grow and take on more weight, and sometimes the root ball itself isn't properly anchored.

Solution: For newly planted hedges, carefully straighten the plant and firm the soil around it. For more established leans, you can provide temporary support using stakes that are driven into the soil at an angle that faces away from the root ball. Secure your hedge plant's stem to the stake with flexible tree ties.

3. If the leaves are turning brown or dropping

Some browning right after planting is normal transplant stress, but excessive browning in the months following usually points to watering issues or root ball damage.

Solution: Check soil moisture regularly — aim for consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions. Increase your watering regime during dry spells and top up your mulch layer once a year to retain moisture. Most plants will recover their colour once roots establish.

4. If growth is patchy or uneven along the hedge

If some plants thrive while others are lagging behind, this could be down to inconsistent planting depth, uneven watering, or variations in soil quality.

Solution: Make sure all plants are planted at the same depth. If some root balls are protruding from the soil, you may need to carefully remove them from the soil, dig a deeper hole, and re-plant following the steps listed above. Water evenly along the entire hedge, and give struggling plants extra attention with additional compost or a light feed. With consistent care, slower plants should eventually catch up.

How deep should I plant root ball hedging?

When planting root ball hedging, the top of the root ball should sit level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can suffocate the stem and roots by burying parts of the plant that need air, whilst planting too shallow leaves the roots exposed and vulnerable to drying out.

How far apart should I space root ball hedge plants?

Deciding how close to plant your hedging can be a challenge. The exact spacing depends on the species you're planting and how quickly you want a dense hedge. As a general rule, most hedging plants do well at 3-4 plants per metre (or roughly 30-40cm apart), which creates a nice, full hedge within a reasonable timeframe. Some faster-growing varieties can be spaced slightly wider, whilst slow-growers might benefit from closer planting.

Can I plant root ball hedging in clay soil?

Absolutely, though planting in clay soil does take a bit of extra care and attention. The main challenge with clay is drainage — it tends to hold water, leading to waterlogged conditions that put roots at risk of developing rot or becoming suffocated. Before planting, work plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its structure and drainage. You might also want to think about creating a slightly raised planting bed or mound to help excess water drain away.

Whether you’re looking for a hedge to improve privacy, for decoration, or to attract wildlife, there are plenty of root ball hedges to choose from. Here are some popular species:

1. Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii) – Leylandii is one of the fastest-growing evergreen hedges, capable of putting on up to 90cm per year. Its dense, spindly foliage makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens and noise reduction, and it also thrives in well-drained soil and sunny conditions, making it perfect for gardens with plenty of sunlight.
   
   

2. English Yew (Taxus baccata) – English Yew is a classic, evergreen hedge with dark green, needle-like foliage. It grows more slowly than some other species, typically around 20–40cm per year, but its dense growth and rich colour make it a stunning choice for formal hedges, topiary, and borders.
   
   

3. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) – Beech is a deciduous hedge that holds onto its copper-colored leaves well into winter, offering year-round interest. Growing at a rate of 30–60cm per year, it’s perfect for creating a natural, informal hedge that provides excellent privacy.
   
   

4. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – If you want a native, flowering hedge species with dense foliage and seasonal colour changes, Hawthorn is the option for you. In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers, while in autumn, it bears small red berries that attract wildlife. Growing at an average rate of 40–60cm per year, Hawthorn is great for creating a bird-friendly hedge.
     

5. Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) – Laurel is another fast-growing evergreen species that forms a dense, thick hedge. Its broad, glossy leaves create a lush, vibrant barrier, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens and noise reduction. Laurel grows rapidly, up to 60–90cm per year, and is ideal for areas where you need quick results.
   
   

6. Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) – A low-maintenance option is Privet. It’s a hardy, fast-growing deciduous or semi-evergreen hedge plant that can grow between 30–60cm per year. It’s often used to create low to medium-height hedges for garden boundaries, and it’s perfect for trimming into neat, tidy shapes.

Here at Hedges Direct, we have a wide selection of root ball hedges available to preorder in early autumn, ready for delivery in November. You can also explore our bare-root and pot-grown hedges to find something that perfectly suits your needs and space.

For more information on caring for and keeping your hedge plants happy and healthy, visit our blog for planting advice.