Root Ball Planting Tips

Root Ball Planting Tips: A Guide to Successful Planting

Root balled hedging is a cost-effective way to acquire larger hedging plants, offering excellent value compared to container-grown alternatives. Grown directly in the field, these plants develop stronger and fuller root systems before being carefully lifted with their root balls intact. Root balls are typically available from November, but you can place your order now, and we’ll advise you on the best timing for digging to ensure optimal conditions for success. If conditions delay immediate planting, we’ll pot the root balls in compost to keep them moist and in prime condition until they can be planted.

While root balled plants may experience minor transport shock, it’s a small trade-off for the savings compared to pot-grown plants. Expect to possibly replace one or two plants, but this risk is minimal, especially with proper care. To help you achieve the best possible results, here are some key tips for planting root balled hedging:

Planting Process:

1. Leave the Sacking On: Keep the biodegradable sacking around the root ball. The roots will grow through it naturally as it decomposes.
2. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the root ball and ensure the soil is loose. This promotes better drainage and root establishment.
3. Positioning the Plant: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it stands upright with the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Avoid planting too deep or too shallow. Backfill with soil or compost, pressing down gently to ensure good contact between the root ball and the soil.
4. Stabilize the Plant: If the plant is at risk of moving in the wind, secure it with a stake and a suitable tie to prevent any movement while the roots establish.

Watering Tips:

• Initial Watering: After planting, give the base a thorough soak, avoiding wetting the leaves directly. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for the first growing season.
• Monitor Moisture: Check the moisture level by feeling the soil near the root ball. If the soil feels dry, provide a deep soak two to three times a week. If you can squeeze water out of the soil, it’s too wet.
• Adjusting Watering: As the plant begins to grow steadily, gradually reduce the watering, relying on visual cues from the plant. After the first 4-6 weeks, you can further taper off the frequency of watering.
• Late Season Planting: If planting in March or later, increase watering during the first two weeks, especially in dry conditions or during periods of drying winds.

Additional Care Tips:

• Yew and Other Sensitive Hedges: For certain species like Yew, it can be beneficial to mist the foliage to prevent desiccation in strong winds.
• Weed Control: Keep the area around the newly planted hedges free from grass and weeds. These can compete with your hedging plants for moisture and nutrients, slowing their growth.

Need Help?

For further advice or questions about planting and caring for root balled hedging, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call us at 01565 722766 or email support@grasslands.co.uk. Our experts are here to help ensure you get the best results from your new hedging plants.

By following these tips, you can maximize the success of your root balled plants, achieving a lush and thriving hedge at a fraction of the cost!