Planting a new hedge can transform a garden, creating privacy, shelter, structure and a clear boundary between different areas. But before putting a spade into the ground, one practical question needs answering: how far apart should hedge plants be planted?
The correct spacing is not the same for every hedge. It depends on the species, the size of the plants you are buying, the type of hedge you want to create and whether you are planting a single or double row. Planting too far apart can leave noticeable gaps for years, while overcrowding plants can increase competition for water, nutrients and root space as they mature.
Getting the spacing right from the beginning can therefore make a significant difference to how quickly your hedge establishes and how dense it eventually becomes. It can also help you calculate how many plants you actually need before placing an order.
This guide explains how to space hedge plants in UK gardens, what factors to consider and how to avoid the most common planting mistakes.
Why Does Hedge Plant Spacing Matter?
Spacing affects much more than the number of plants you need to buy. It influences the hedge's appearance, establishment and long-term health.
When plants are positioned at an appropriate distance, they have enough room to develop while remaining close enough to eventually grow together and form a continuous boundary.
The right spacing can help you achieve:
- A fuller, more consistent hedge
- Better use of your available garden space
- More even growth between individual plants
- Reduced competition for water and nutrients
- A more predictable establishment period
- Fewer large gaps between plants
- Easier maintenance as the hedge matures
The ideal distance will always depend on the particular species and the size of the plants at the time of planting. A small bare-root plant will usually require different spacing from a larger container-grown specimen.
This is why there is no single measurement that works for every hedge.
How Far Apart Should Hedge Plants Be Planted?
As a general guide, many hedges are planted at approximately 30cm to 60cm apart, although some species and plant sizes may require more or less space.
Smaller plants are often planted closer together to create a dense hedge over time, while larger plants may be positioned further apart because each one already provides more coverage.
The best approach is to consider three things:
- The mature size of the plant
- The size of the plant when purchased
- How quickly you want the hedge to become visually continuous
For example, a small young plant may initially look widely spaced at 45cm intervals. However, as it develops new side shoots and expands outwards, the gaps will gradually close.
On the other hand, planting very small plants extremely close together does not necessarily mean you will get a healthy hedge faster. As the plants grow, their roots and branches will compete for the same resources.
The aim is to find a balance between quick coverage and healthy long-term development.
What Determines the Right Spacing for Your Hedge?
There are several factors to consider before deciding on the final distance between plants.
The Hedge Species
Different hedge plants have different natural growth habits.
Some varieties naturally develop into broad, bushy plants, while others have a narrower upright habit. A fast-growing species may also need more room to develop than a slower-growing variety.
The type of hedging plants you choose should therefore influence your spacing decision from the beginning.
Consider:
- Expected mature width
- Growth rate
- Natural shape
- Evergreen or deciduous habit
- Desired hedge height
- How densely the plant branches
A species that naturally produces plenty of side growth may fill a space effectively without needing extremely close planting.
The Size of the Plants You Buy
Plant size is another important consideration.
If you purchase small young plants, they will need time to grow and develop into a continuous hedge. Planting them too far apart may leave visible gaps for longer.
Larger, more established plants provide greater immediate coverage but generally cost more. Because they already occupy more physical space, they may not need to be planted as closely together.
This is one reason it is useful to consider your budget alongside your desired timescale. You may choose to buy smaller plants and allow them to establish naturally, or invest in larger plants if you want a more mature appearance sooner.
Single Row vs Double Row Hedge Plant Spacing
The number of rows you plant changes how you approach spacing.
A single row is usually the simplest option and requires less space and fewer plants. It can work particularly well where the boundary is narrow or where you want to keep costs and maintenance manageable.
A double row involves planting two staggered rows, creating a wider planting area and potentially producing a denser visual barrier as the plants mature.
Before deciding on individual plant spacing, consider whether single row vs double row hedging is the right arrangement for your garden. The choice can affect the number of plants required, the amount of space available and the eventual width of the hedge.
Single-row planting
A single row may be suitable when:
- Space is limited
- You want a narrower boundary
- The chosen species naturally grows densely
- You want to minimise the number of plants required
- The hedge is primarily decorative or used as a simple boundary
Double-row planting
A double row may be worth considering when:
- You have enough room for a wider hedge
- You want a particularly dense screen
- You are creating a substantial boundary
- The planting area allows two staggered rows
- You want to create a fuller appearance as the hedge matures
A double row requires more plants and more space, so it should be planned carefully rather than treated as an automatic improvement over a single row.
Should You Plant Hedge Plants Closer Together for Faster Results?
It is tempting to assume that planting more plants closer together will automatically create a dense hedge faster.
Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple.
Closer spacing can reduce the visible gaps between young plants, but overcrowding can create greater competition as the hedge develops. Plants may compete for water, nutrients, light and root space, particularly in challenging soil conditions.
The goal should not simply be to plant as many specimens as possible. Instead, aim for spacing that allows plants to establish healthy root systems while encouraging their branches to eventually meet.
If you want a hedge to become established more quickly, consider the complete growing environment. Good soil preparation, appropriate watering and effective weed control can all be just as important as the distance between individual plants.
The right spacing combined with good aftercare is generally more effective than simply planting closer together.
How Does Plant Spacing Affect Hedge Privacy?
Spacing is particularly important when your main objective is to create a screen.
However, privacy depends on more than how closely plants are positioned. The species, plant size, growth habit and pruning approach all play a role.
A hedge planted too widely may take longer to close its gaps, especially if the plants are naturally slow-growing. However, a hedge planted excessively close together may experience stronger competition as it matures.
If you are considering fast-growing privacy hedges, it is worth remembering that rapid vertical growth does not always mean rapid sideways growth. Some plants may gain height quickly while taking longer to develop the dense lateral branching needed for effective screening.
For this reason, think about the eventual structure of the hedge rather than focusing solely on how quickly individual plants grow.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Different Types of Hedge?
There is no universal spacing rule for every species, but the following broad categories can help when planning.
|
Hedge type |
General spacing considerations |
|
Laurel |
Often planted relatively closely to encourage a dense screen, depending on plant size |
|
Photinia |
Spacing should account for its eventual width and desired hedge height |
|
Hornbeam |
Allow enough room for strong establishment while planning for its mature form |
|
Beech |
Consider plant size, desired density and whether a single or double row is being used |
|
Privet |
Can generally be planted at relatively close intervals to encourage a dense boundary |
|
Smaller ornamental hedges |
Often require closer spacing because the plants remain more compact |
These are only general considerations. Always check the growing characteristics of the specific variety and the size of the plants you are purchasing before deciding on a final measurement.
The same species planted at different sizes may require different spacing recommendations.
How to Calculate How Many Hedge Plants You Need
Once you have decided on your spacing, calculating the number of plants you need is relatively straightforward.
For a single row:
Hedge length ÷ spacing = approximate number of plants
For example, if you have a 10-metre boundary and plan to space your plants 50cm apart:
10m ÷ 0.5m = 20 plants
You may need to adjust the final number depending on how you handle the ends of the hedge and whether the recommended spacing for your chosen species requires a different arrangement.
For a double row:
A double row will require approximately twice as many plants as an equivalent single row, although the exact number will depend on the arrangement and spacing between the two rows.
Before ordering, measure the boundary carefully and decide where the hedge will begin and end. Remember to account for gates, entrances and any areas where you do not want planting.
Buying a few additional plants can also be sensible in some situations, particularly if you want a replacement available should an individual plant fail to establish.
Common Hedge Planting Spacing Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the spacing wrong can create unnecessary problems later.
Planting Too Far Apart
This is one of the most common mistakes. Large gaps between young plants can leave you waiting considerably longer for the hedge to become continuous.
While plants will eventually expand, the time required to close significant gaps can be frustrating if privacy or screening is a priority.
Planting Too Closely
Overcrowding may appear to offer a shortcut to a dense hedge, but plants can compete more intensely as they grow.
This can lead to:
- Increased competition for moisture
- Greater competition for nutrients
- Reduced airflow
- More difficult maintenance
- A need for more frequent pruning
Ignoring the Mature Width
A young hedge plant can look deceptively small when first planted. However, it is important to think about what the plant will become rather than judging spacing solely by its current size.
A hedge that eventually becomes very wide may need more room than you initially expect.
Using the Same Spacing for Every Species
Not every hedge should be planted at the same distance.
The best spacing for one species may be unsuitable for another. Always consider the plant's natural growth habit and the size of the specimens you are buying.
Does Hedge Planting Time Affect Spacing?
Plant spacing itself does not change dramatically according to the season, but the timing of planting can affect how quickly plants establish.
New plants need suitable conditions to develop their root systems, and planting at an appropriate time can give them a stronger start.
This is why understanding when to plant hedge plants in the UK is an important part of planning a new boundary.
Once planted, the priority should be to maintain consistent moisture during establishment, particularly during dry periods. Young plants can struggle if they are left competing with surrounding grass or weeds for water.
Good preparation before planting can therefore help your hedge make better use of the space available to it.
How to Get Your Hedge Spacing Right Before You Plant
A little preparation can prevent many spacing problems.
Before planting, follow these steps:
- Measure the total length of the boundary.
- Decide whether you want a single or double row.
- Check the recommended spacing for your chosen species.
- Consider the size of the plants you are buying.
- Calculate the approximate number of plants required.
- Mark out the planting positions before digging.
- Check for underground services or obstacles where relevant.
- Leave sufficient room for the hedge to grow without obstructing paths or neighbouring areas.
It can be useful to place markers along the planting line before you begin. This allows you to visualise the final arrangement and make adjustments before the plants are in the ground.
If you are still deciding which species will work best, consider factors such as mature size, maintenance and seasonal appearance rather than focusing only on the initial size of the plants.
The process of choosing the right hedge should always take the long-term garden design into account.
What If Your Hedge Plants Are Already Spaced Too Far Apart?
If you have already planted your hedge and later realise the spacing is wider than recommended, there is no need to panic.
The best solution depends on how recently the hedge was planted and how large the gaps are.
For a newly planted hedge, you may be able to add additional plants between the existing specimens. This is often easier while the plants are still young and their root systems are relatively small.
If the hedge is already established, adding new plants can be more complicated because of competition from existing roots.
In this situation, consider:
- How large the gaps actually are
- How quickly the existing plants are growing
- Whether the hedge is healthy
- How long you are prepared to wait for the gaps to close naturally
In some cases, patience may be the best option. Healthy plants can gradually expand and fill the available space as they mature.
Should Evergreen and Deciduous Hedges Be Spaced Differently?
The choice between native vs evergreen hedging can influence how you approach the overall design, but spacing should still be based primarily on the characteristics of the specific plants you have chosen.
Evergreen hedges are often selected when year-round screening is important, while deciduous species can provide seasonal interest and may retain some dry foliage during winter.
Rather than assuming one category always needs closer spacing, consider:
- The mature width of the species
- The size of your plants
- The desired final height
- The density of branching
- How quickly you want the hedge to establish
- Whether the hedge is formal or informal
This approach will help you choose a spacing arrangement that suits the actual plants rather than relying on a broad classification.
The Right Spacing Helps Build a Better Hedge
There is no single answer to the question of how far apart hedge plants should be planted. The correct distance depends on the species, plant size, desired density and whether you choose a single or double row.
The most important thing is to avoid treating spacing as an afterthought.
A well-planned hedge starts with selecting suitable plants, measuring the planting area accurately and giving each specimen enough room to establish while positioning it close enough to eventually create a continuous boundary.
Whether you are planting a small garden border or establishing a long boundary, taking the time to calculate spacing before planting can save money and reduce problems later.
At Everything Plants, you can explore a wide range of plants for creating attractive garden boundaries and choose options suited to different garden styles and growing requirements.
With the right plants, appropriate spacing and consistent care during establishment, your new hedge can develop into a healthy and attractive feature that enhances your garden for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should hedge plants be planted?
Many hedge plants are commonly spaced between approximately 30cm and 60cm apart, but the ideal distance depends on the species, plant size and desired hedge density. Always check the specific requirements of the plants you choose.
Is it better to plant a hedge closer together?
Not necessarily. Planting too closely can increase competition for water, nutrients and root space as plants mature. The aim is to use spacing that encourages the hedge to fill out while allowing healthy establishment.
How many hedge plants do I need per metre?
The number of plants per metre depends on the recommended spacing. For example, planting at 50cm intervals requires approximately two plants per metre for a single row. The exact number should be adjusted according to the species and plant size.
Is a double-row hedge better than a single row?
Neither option is automatically better. A double row can create a fuller boundary but requires more plants and space. A single row may be more suitable for narrow gardens or where a simpler, more cost-effective hedge is preferred.
Should I plant small hedge plants closer together?
Smaller plants may sometimes be planted at closer intervals than larger specimens, but this depends on the species. Always consider the plant's mature size and recommended spacing rather than its current appearance alone.
How long does it take for hedge plants to fill out?
The time required varies considerably depending on the species, plant size, growing conditions and aftercare. Healthy plants with suitable spacing, adequate moisture and good soil conditions will generally establish more successfully.
