Hazel Bare Root Hedging

Hazel Bare Root Hedging (Corylus avellana)

Traditional Native Hedging for Wildlife, Country Gardens & Natural Boundaries

Hazel, botanically known as Corylus avellana, is a traditional native hedging plant valued for its attractive green foliage, distinctive catkins and excellent wildlife benefits. Naturally found throughout British hedgerows and woodland edges, Hazel is ideal for creating an informal, natural-looking boundary.

Supplied as bare root hedging during the dormant season, Hazel is an economical choice for longer hedges and larger planting schemes. It can be planted on its own or combined with other native species to create a varied mixed hedge with excellent seasonal interest.

Once established, Hazel develops strong, bushy growth and responds particularly well to pruning and coppicing, making it a versatile choice for rural gardens, wildlife areas and countryside planting.

Why Choose Hazel Bare Root Hedging?

Hazel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to establish a traditional native hedge.

Key benefits include:

• Native British hedging plant
• Excellent value as bare root hedging
• Attractive fresh green foliage
• Distinctive catkins in late winter and early spring
• Naturally bushy growth
• Excellent for wildlife
• Provides valuable shelter and habitat
• Can produce hazelnuts as it matures
• Ideal for mixed native hedging
• Hardy and adaptable
• Responds well to pruning and coppicing
• Excellent for larger hedging projects

Hazel for Native Hedging

Hazel is a classic choice for native and countryside hedging, providing a softer, more natural appearance than formal evergreen hedges.

It works particularly well as part of a mixed native hedge alongside plants such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Dogwood, Spindle, Guelder Rose, Dog Rose and Holly.

Combining several native species creates greater variation in foliage, flowers, berries and autumn colour while also increasing the value of the hedge for wildlife.

Hazel can also be planted by itself where a predominantly leafy, informal hedge is preferred.

Hazel for Wildlife

Hazel is an excellent addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

Its dense branches and foliage provide valuable cover and shelter, while mature plants can produce hazelnuts that are enjoyed by a variety of wildlife.

The early catkins also provide seasonal interest before many other deciduous hedging plants have started producing their new spring foliage.

Within a mixed native hedge, Hazel helps create a varied habitat with different heights, foliage types and food sources.

Hazel Catkins & Hazelnuts

One of the most recognisable features of Hazel is its attractive yellow catkins, which hang from the branches during late winter and early spring.

Fresh green leaves follow as temperatures rise, creating a dense leafy appearance throughout spring and summer.

Established Hazel can also produce hazelnuts. Nut production will vary according to factors such as the age of the plants, pollination and growing conditions, but any nuts produced add further seasonal and wildlife interest.

Where to Plant Hazel Hedging

Hazel is particularly well suited to informal and naturalistic planting.

It can be used for:

• Native hedges
• Mixed country hedges
• Rural boundaries
• Wildlife gardens
• Woodland edges
• Field boundaries
• Larger gardens
• Naturalistic planting schemes
• Countryside landscaping
• Larger-scale planting projects

Its natural character makes Hazel particularly effective where a traditional countryside-style hedge is required.

Growing Conditions

Hazel is a hardy and adaptable native plant that can grow successfully in a range of garden conditions.

It generally performs well in sun or partial shade and is suitable for many ordinary garden soils.

For best results, plant into reasonably fertile soil that retains some moisture while still offering adequate drainage.

As with all newly planted hedging, good soil preparation and regular watering during establishment will help encourage healthy growth.

When to Plant Hazel Bare Root Hedging

Hazel bare root hedging is planted during the dormant season, generally from late autumn through winter and into early spring.

Bare root plants are lifted from the field while dormant and supplied without pots, making them particularly cost-effective when planting larger quantities.

Plants should ideally be planted as soon as possible after arrival.

If immediate planting is not possible, keep the roots cool, moist and protected from drying out until you are ready to plant.

Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.

How to Plant Hazel Bare Root Hedging

Prepare the planting area before your plants arrive by removing weeds and loosening compacted soil.

When planting:

• Keep the roots moist and covered until required
• Dig a trench or individual planting holes
• Make sure the roots have enough room to spread naturally
• Do not force or tightly bend the roots
• Plant at approximately the same depth the Hazel was previously growing
• Backfill carefully with the excavated soil
• Firm gently around the roots
• Water thoroughly after planting

Adding a suitable mulch after planting can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch directly against the stems.

Watering Hazel Bare Root Hedging

Newly planted bare root Hazel requires regular watering while establishing.

Give the plants a thorough soak immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Once new growth begins in spring, continue to monitor moisture levels carefully. During dry or warm periods, water deeply so that moisture reaches the complete root system rather than simply wetting the soil surface.

Do not assume rainfall has provided sufficient water, particularly during the first growing season.

How Far Apart Should I Plant Hazel?

Plant spacing depends on the size of the plants and how quickly you want to establish a dense hedge.

Hazel can be planted in a single row or staggered double row and is also ideal for incorporating throughout a mixed native hedge.

For mixed native planting, distributing Hazel amongst several other species can help create the varied appearance associated with traditional countryside hedgerows.

Refer to the recommended planting density for the particular size of plants being purchased.

How Quickly Does Hazel Hedging Grow?

Hazel can develop into a vigorous, bushy hedge once established.

Growth rate will depend on factors such as soil quality, moisture, position and ongoing care.

Pruning young plants can encourage additional branching lower down, helping the hedge develop a dense and bushy structure from the base.

Pruning Hazel Hedging

Hazel responds very well to pruning and can be maintained at a suitable height and width for the space available.

Regular pruning encourages dense growth and helps prevent the hedge from becoming excessively open.

Hazel is also traditionally managed through coppicing, where established stems are periodically cut back to encourage fresh growth from the base.

If growing Hazel as part of a wildlife hedge, pruning should be timed appropriately to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Is Hazel Evergreen?

No. Hazel is a deciduous hedging plant, so it naturally loses its leaves during autumn.

Its branches remain through winter before the distinctive catkins appear and fresh green foliage emerges again in spring.

If you would like some evergreen foliage within a native hedge, Hazel can be mixed with suitable evergreen species such as Holly.

Buy Hazel Bare Root Hedging Online

Our Hazel Bare Root Hedging is ideal for establishing traditional native hedges, wildlife-friendly boundaries and mixed countryside planting schemes.

With its attractive green foliage, distinctive catkins, naturally bushy growth and excellent wildlife value, Corylus avellana is a versatile addition to both garden and larger landscape planting.

Bare root Hazel provides a particularly cost-effective way to plant longer stretches of hedging during the dormant season.

Shop Hazel Bare Root Hedging online and create a hardy, natural-looking native hedge with year-round structure and seasonal interest.