Rootball Hedging 2026 – Pre-Orders Now Open

Fresh from the Field – Available October to March

Rootball hedging offers an excellent way to establish mature, instant-impact hedges at a more affordable price than large container-grown plants. Each plant is field-grown and lifted with its roots enclosed in a firm ball of soil, wrapped in hessian and wire mesh to protect the root system during transport and planting.

Available from October to March, rootball hedging combines the benefits of larger, well-established plants with exceptional value. Because the plants are grown naturally in the field, they develop strong root systems that establish quickly when planted correctly.

Availability, Ordering & Delivery

Rootball plants are only available during the dormant season, from October through to March. The best quality and widest selection are usually available from the first diggings in October, so we recommend placing your order early.

Pre-ordering secures your plants before the season begins and allows us to reserve stock ready for lifting as soon as conditions are suitable. If you wish to collect your order from our nursery, simply place your order online and we'll contact you when your plants are ready.

Each order is lifted fresh from the field specifically for you. Once your plants have been dug, we'll contact you to let you know they're ready. Collection customers are kindly asked to collect their order as soon as possible after notification, while delivery customers will be contacted again to confirm their delivery date before dispatch.

Because rootball plants are at their best when freshly lifted, we aim to dispatch or have orders collected as quickly as possible. Ordering early helps us plan lifting and deliveries efficiently, ensuring your plants spend as little time as possible out of the ground.

For the best results, plant your hedging as soon as possible after collection or delivery. If this isn't immediately possible, temporarily heel the plants into soil or pot the rootballs into compost to help retain moisture until planting.

Rootball, Bare Root or Pot-Grown?

Each type of hedging has its advantages:

• Rootball hedging – Larger, field-grown plants available from October to March, offering excellent value and instant impact.
• Bare root hedging – The most economical option, ideal for planting long hedge runs during the dormant season.
• Pot-grown hedging – Available year-round and suitable for planting in any season, although generally more expensive for comparable sizes.

Hedge Plants Commonly Supplied as Rootballs

Rootball hedging is most commonly available for larger evergreen and conifer varieties, including:

• Cherry Laurel
• Portuguese Laurel
• Yew
• Thuja
• Leylandii
• Privet

Planting Rootball Hedging

Rootball hedging should be planted as soon as possible after collection or delivery.

1. Prepare the Ground

Dig a planting hole wider than the rootball and loosen the surrounding soil to encourage new root growth.

2. Position the Plant

Place the rootball into the hole so the top of the soil ball sits level with the surrounding ground.

Do not plant too deeply.

3. Leave the Hessian & Wire in Place

Do not remove the hessian or wire basket. Both are designed to remain around the rootball and will naturally break down over time while allowing new roots to grow through.

4. Backfill & Water

Backfill using the excavated soil (improved with compost if required), firm gently around the rootball and water thoroughly.

For detailed advice on spacing, soil preparation and ongoing care, please see our Hedge Planting Guide.

Special Considerations

Certain species, particularly Yew, require well-drained soil. On heavy or poorly drained ground, improve drainage with grit or gravel and consider planting on a slight raised ridge. Always use the original soil level on the rootball as your guide and avoid planting too deeply.

Aftercare

Good aftercare is the key to successful establishment.

• Firm the soil around each plant and stake taller specimens where necessary to prevent wind rock.
• Water thoroughly immediately after planting and continue watering regularly throughout the first growing season. During dry weather, water two to three times each week.
• Keep the area around the base of each plant free from weeds and grass to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rootball hedging be planted in winter?

Yes. Rootball hedging should be planted during the dormant season, between October and March, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Should I remove the hessian or wire?

No. Both the hessian and wire basket should remain in place. They protect the rootball during handling and planting and will naturally break down over time while allowing new roots to grow through.

Is rootball hedging guaranteed?

Rootball plants are freshly lifted from the field and rely on suitable weather conditions, correct planting and good aftercare to establish successfully. As these factors are outside our control, rootball hedging is supplied without guarantee.