A Guide to Instant Hedging

Choosing the right instant hedging for your garden requires consideration of several factors. Firstly, you'll need to consider the soil type in your garden, as different types of hedging thrive in different soil conditions. Additionally, you'll need to consider the light requirements of your chosen hedging, as some varieties require full sun while others prefer partial shade. Finally, you'll need to consider the height and shape of the hedging, as different varieties can be shaped into different styles.

At Grasslands Nursery, we're happy to offer guidance on choosing the right instant hedging for your garden. Our team of experts can help you select the perfect hedging for your soil type, light requirements, and desired height and shape. You can contact us via our website, pop into the nursery or give us a message on social media for advice!

Once you have chosen the perfect instant hedging for your garden, it's important to know how to plant and maintain it properly to ensure its health and longevity. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Planting:

Prepare the soil: Before planting your instant hedging, make sure the soil is well-prepared. Remove any weeds or grass from the planting area and loosen the soil to ensure good drainage.

Dig a trench: Dig a trench that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the instant hedging. Make sure the trench is slightly wider than the root ball to allow room for growth.

Position the hedging: Carefully place the instant hedging in the trench, making sure it is straight and at the desired height. Ensure that the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface.

Backfill and firm the soil: Fill the trench with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly, as it can hinder root growth. Water the newly planted hedging thoroughly to settle the soil.

Watering:

Adequate moisture: Instant hedging requires regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. Water deeply and evenly, ensuring the entire root zone is moist. This is particularly important during dry spells or hot summer months.

Avoid overwatering: While it's crucial to provide sufficient water, overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.

Pruning:

Shaping and maintenance: Instant hedging typically comes pre-shaped, but pruning will likely be necessary to maintain its desired shape and size over time. Cut down any straggly or overgrown branches to encourage a dense and uniform appearance.

Timing: Pruning is best done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. It’s best to avoid pruning during periods of active growth to minimize stress on your hedging.

Pest Control:

Vigilance: Keep an eye out for common pests that may affect your hedgings, such as aphids, caterpillars, or fungal diseases. Regularly inspect the foliage and stems for any signs of infestation or damage.

Natural remedies: If you spot pests, try natural pest control methods before using harsh chemical treatments. These may include using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or introducing beneficial insects that prey on pests.

Consult with professionals: If you're unsure about pest identification or control methods, it's best to consult with a professional landscaper or nursery for expert advice.

By following these planting and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your instant hedging thrives and continues to enhance your garden for years to come!

Here at Grasslands Nursery, we've seen firsthand how instant hedging can transform a garden! We've had customers who have used instant hedging to create a stunning garden entrance, providing an immediate and impressive first impression. We’ve also seen instant hedging used to create a private outdoor dining area, with a secluded space for entertaining guests.

We've even had customers who have used our pre-grown hedging to create a sound barrier from a nearby busy road, reducing noise pollution and enhancing the peacefulness of their garden.

We encourage our customers to share their instant hedging transformations with us on social media, using the hashtag #GrasslandsNursery. We may even feature your garden transformation on our website or social media channels! So if you’re looking for inspiration or have some photos to share, get involved on our Instagram , Facebook , Twitter or TikTok .

While instant hedging offers so many benefits, it’s also important to consider any potential downsides before making a decision. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Cost

Instant hedging tends to be more expensive than hedging when you grow yourself from the ground up. This is due to the time, effort, and resources invested in growing and nurturing the hedging to a mature state before it is ready to be sold. The initial cost of instant hedging may be higher than purchasing young, bare-root hedging and allowing it to grow over time.

Limited Variety

The selection of instant hedging varieties may be more limited. This is because growing and maintaining instant hedging requires specific expertise and resources. While there is still a big range of popular hedging species available as instant options, you might not find every specific variety that you desire.

Handling and Planting Challenges

Instant hedging can be heavier and more challenging to handle during the planting process compared to smaller, bare-root plants. The size and weight of container-grown or trough-grown hedging may require additional help or equipment for proper installation.

Transplant Shock

Despite being well-established, instant hedging may still experience some transplant shock when uprooted and replanted in a new location. While efforts are made to minimise this shock during the growing and delivery process, there is always a possibility of temporary stress or adjustment for the hedging after being planted in your garden.

Establishment Time

Although instant hedging provides an immediate impact, it still requires time to fully establish in its new environment. It is important to follow proper planting and care instructions to promote root growth and ensure the long-term health of the hedging. Instant hedging may still need some time to acclimate and develop a strong root system, especially if planting during adverse weather conditions or outside the optimal planting season.

Despite these potential downsides, many gardeners find that the benefits of instant hedging outweigh the drawbacks, particularly if they’re seeking an immediate garden transformation. Careful consideration of your budget, preferences, and specific garden requirements will help you make an informed decision about how suitable instant hedging is for your garden.

The benefits of using instant hedging in your garden design are undeniable. It provides an instant transformation, gives a mature appearance, reduces maintenance, increases privacy and security, plus reduces noise pollution, and has environmental benefits too. With Grasslands Nursery, you have access to a wide range of instant hedging options suitable for various garden styles and requirements.

To embark on your own garden transformation, visit our website today! Explore our selection of instant hedging or browse any of our other products and find the perfect fit for your garden.