Choosing how to plant a new hedge can make a significant difference to how quickly it establishes, how much privacy it provides and how much space it takes up in your garden. One of the most important decisions is whether to plant your hedging plants in a single row or double row.
For most smaller gardens, a single row is the practical choice because it uses less space, costs less to establish and is easier to maintain. However, a double row can be worthwhile when you need a denser screen, greater privacy or a fuller hedge and have enough room to accommodate the additional planting.
The best option ultimately depends on your garden's size, the type of hedge you want to create, your budget and how quickly you need the hedge to provide effective screening.
Let's look at the differences between the two planting methods and when each is likely to work best.
What is Single Row Hedging?
Single row hedging is the simplest and most common planting arrangement. The plants are positioned in one straight line, with each plant spaced according to its expected mature size and the type of hedge you are creating.
This approach is particularly suitable for garden boundaries, front gardens and areas where space is limited. It creates a defined line between two areas without taking up excessive width.
The exact spacing depends on the species and the size of the plants when you buy them. Smaller plants may need to be planted closer together to create a dense screen, while larger specimens can often be spaced further apart.
A single row can produce an attractive, dense hedge when the plants are chosen and spaced correctly. With regular pruning, many varieties will develop thick growth from the base upwards, although the time required to reach full density varies considerably between species.
If you are still deciding which plants are most suitable, choosing the right hedge for your garden is an important first step. The right species can often make more difference to the final result than simply adding an extra row of plants.
Advantages of single row hedging
- Requires less planting space
- Usually costs less to establish
- Easier to access for pruning and maintenance
- Suitable for narrow garden boundaries
- Uses fewer plants
- Can be easier to manage over the long term
- Works well for formal and informal garden designs
For many homeowners, these advantages make a single row the most sensible option.
What is Double Row Hedging?
Double row hedging involves planting two parallel rows of hedging plants rather than one. The plants are generally arranged in a staggered or offset pattern, sometimes described as a zigzag planting arrangement.
The purpose is to create a broader and potentially denser hedge. By offsetting the plants, gaps between individual specimens in one row are partially filled by plants in the second row. As the hedge develops, this can create a more substantial visual barrier.
Double row planting is particularly useful where the main priority is screening. It can be considered for larger gardens, rural properties, boundaries exposed to neighbouring views and situations where a thicker hedge is desirable.
However, planting two rows does not automatically mean that your hedge will become twice as dense or establish twice as quickly. The plants still need adequate water, nutrients, light and growing space. If they are planted too closely together, competition between plants can actually affect their development.
Double row planting therefore needs careful planning rather than simply doubling the number of plants.
Single vs Double Row Hedging: The Key Differences
The biggest difference is the amount of space and planting material involved, but there are several other factors to consider.
|
Factor |
Single Row |
Double Row |
|
Space required |
Relatively narrow |
Requires considerably more width |
|
Number of plants |
Fewer |
More |
|
Initial cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Planting time |
Generally quicker |
Takes longer |
|
Potential density |
Good with suitable plants |
Can produce a broader, fuller screen |
|
Privacy |
Effective once established |
Potentially greater screening |
|
Maintenance |
Easier to access |
More demanding |
|
Best suited to |
Smaller gardens and narrow boundaries |
Larger gardens and substantial screening |
|
Long-term footprint |
More compact |
Wider and more substantial |
The important point is that double row hedging is not automatically better than single row hedging. It is simply a different planting method that may be more appropriate for certain situations.
When is Single Row Hedging the Better Choice?
A single row is often the best option when you have limited space or want to keep your hedge relatively narrow.
This is particularly relevant in urban gardens, where every metre of usable space matters. A double row can quickly reduce the amount of garden available for lawns, borders, paths or patios.
Single row planting is also a sensible choice when the hedge is being planted along a narrow boundary. There may simply not be enough room to accommodate two rows while leaving sufficient space for the hedge to grow naturally.
Cost is another consideration. Because a double row requires more plants, the initial investment can be considerably higher. You may also need more compost, soil improvers, mulch and watering during establishment.
A single row may therefore be preferable if you want to create an attractive boundary without increasing your planting budget unnecessarily.
It is also worth remembering that a well-chosen hedge can become surprisingly dense when properly established and maintained. Fast-growing or naturally bushy species may provide excellent coverage from a single row, particularly when they receive suitable growing conditions.
If privacy is your main concern, it is worth considering the characteristics of fast-growing privacy hedges before deciding that you need two rows. The right plant may provide the screening you want without requiring additional width.
When Should You Consider Double Row Hedging?
Double row hedging can be a good choice when creating a substantial boundary is more important than keeping the planting footprint as narrow as possible.
For example, a larger rural garden may have plenty of space available along its boundaries. In this situation, a double row can create a more impressive hedge with greater visual depth.
It may also be worth considering when you need a strong screening effect. If the hedge is intended to separate your garden from a busy road, neighbouring property or open landscape, a broader planting arrangement may help create a more substantial barrier.
Double rows can also work well for properties where the hedge is intended to serve multiple purposes. In addition to privacy, a dense hedge can help define boundaries, soften views and contribute to the overall structure of a larger garden.
However, you should consider the mature width of the plants before committing to this method. A double row that looks relatively modest when first planted can become considerably wider as the hedge matures.
You should also check the practical implications of planting close to a boundary. If the hedge will grow on or near a property line, consider who will maintain each side and whether there will be enough access for future pruning.
How Much Space Do You Need?
There is no universal measurement that applies to every double or single row hedge. The space required depends on the species, planting size and eventual height and width of the hedge.
A single row generally needs a relatively narrow strip of ground, although you should allow enough room for the hedge to develop without being restricted by paths, walls or other plants.
A double row naturally requires more width because the second row needs to sit behind the first. The rows should be positioned carefully so that plants have sufficient room to establish and grow.
Before planting, consider:
- The mature width of your chosen hedge plants
- The distance between the hedge and buildings or paths
- Access for pruning and maintenance
- The position of neighbouring boundaries
- The amount of sunlight available to each row
- Whether the hedge will eventually shade other plants
Don't judge your planting requirements solely by the size of the plants when they arrive. A young hedge may look sparse at first, but the plants are being established for their mature size.
The time of year you plant can also influence how well your new hedge gets established. Understanding when to plant hedge plants can help you plan the job around conditions that are more favourable for establishment.
Which Option is More Cost Effective?
For the initial installation, single row hedging is usually the more economical option.
You need fewer plants, which means lower upfront costs. Planting is also generally quicker, and you may spend less on soil preparation, compost, mulch and watering.
Double row planting can cost more because you are effectively establishing a larger number of plants across a greater area. There may also be additional maintenance costs over time, particularly if the hedge requires more frequent pruning or specialist equipment to manage its size.
However, cost should not be considered in isolation.
If your main objective is to create a dense privacy screen, choosing a suitable hedge plant and planting it correctly may be more cost effective than installing a cheaper single row that does not ultimately provide the coverage you need.
In other words, the cheapest option at planting time is not necessarily the best value over the lifetime of the hedge.
What About Privacy and Hedge Density?
Privacy is one of the main reasons homeowners consider double row hedging, but the relationship between planting arrangement and privacy is not quite as straightforward as it may seem.
A double row can potentially create a fuller screen because the staggered plants help reduce visible gaps. However, the final density of your hedge will depend on several factors.
These include the species you choose, the plants' growth habit, planting distances, soil conditions, pruning regime and the amount of sunlight available.
A single row of naturally dense evergreen plants may provide better year-round screening than a poorly selected double row of plants that struggle in the conditions.
This is why plant selection should come before deciding how many rows you need. Consider whether you need an evergreen screen for year-round privacy or whether a deciduous hedge will suit your garden better.
You should also think about the height of the hedge. A dense, well-maintained single row may provide all the privacy you need at the boundary, while a double row may simply create unnecessary competition for space and resources.
How to Decide Which Planting Method is Right for You?
The simplest way to decide is to start with the purpose of your hedge rather than the number of rows.
Ask yourself what you actually want the hedge to achieve.
If space is limited, a single row is usually the obvious choice. It gives you a defined boundary while preserving more of your garden for other uses.
If you want a relatively low-maintenance boundary, a single row may also be preferable because you have easier access to the plants for pruning, watering and general care.
If maximum screening is a priority and you have plenty of space, a double row may be worth considering. The additional planting can help create a broader and more substantial hedge when planned correctly.
If your budget is limited, start by looking at what you can achieve with a well-selected single row rather than automatically assuming you need two.
If you are unsure which plants to choose, focus on selecting species that suit your soil, aspect, desired height and maintenance preferences. You can explore the availablehedging plants and compare options based on the characteristics that matter most for your garden.
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a planting arrangement before considering how the hedge will behave in five or ten years. A hedge should be planned for its mature form, not simply how it looks on planting day.
The same principle applies to the choice of species. A hedge that grows well in one garden may struggle in another because of differences in soil, exposure, drainage or available sunlight. Taking time to make the right choice at the beginning can save considerable effort later.
Single Row or Double Row: Which Is Best for Your Garden?
For most UK gardens, single row hedging is the best all-round choice. It is more space-efficient, usually more affordable and easier to maintain, while still capable of creating an attractive and effective boundary.
A double row is better suited to larger gardens and situations where creating a particularly broad, dense screen is the priority. It can provide additional visual depth and potentially stronger screening, but it requires more space, more plants and a greater commitment to ongoing maintenance.
The most important decision, however, is not simply whether to plant one row or two. It is choosing the right hedge for your particular garden and giving it the conditions it needs to thrive.
Start by considering the available space, the level of privacy you need, the hedge's mature size and how much maintenance you are prepared to undertake. Once those factors are clear, the right planting method usually becomes much easier to identify.
Whether you choose a single row for a compact boundary or a double row for a substantial privacy screen, careful planning at the beginning will give your hedge the best possible chance of becoming a healthy, attractive feature that enhances your garden for years to come. For suitable plants and planting options, you can explore the full range available fromEverything Plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Row Hedging Always Denser Than Single Row?
No. Double row planting can create a denser and broader screen, but it does not guarantee a better hedge.
Plant health, species selection, spacing and maintenance all influence density. Two poorly suited rows will not necessarily outperform one well-planned row of vigorous, suitable plants.
Does a Double Row Hedge Grow Faster?
Not necessarily. Adding a second row increases the number of plants but does not automatically accelerate growth.
The plants still need adequate resources to establish. If planted too closely, competition for water, nutrients and light can become an issue. The quality of planting and aftercare is often more important than simply increasing the number of plants.
Is a Single Row Enough for Privacy?
In many gardens, yes. A well-chosen single row can provide excellent privacy once established, particularly when evergreen or naturally dense species are used.
The key is to choose a plant that matches your privacy requirements and growing conditions. If you need an immediate or particularly substantial screen, a double row may be worth considering, but it is not the only solution.
Can You Plant a Double Row Later?
It is possible, but planning the final arrangement from the beginning is generally preferable.
Adding a second row later can be more difficult if the original hedge has already matured and occupies the available space. Roots may also make preparation more challenging.
If you think you may eventually want a double row, consider the mature dimensions of the hedge and leave enough space during the initial garden design.
