Alder Hedge (Alnus glutinosa)

Alder Hedge (Alnus glutinosa) Plant Description

Alder hedging is a fast-growing deciduous plant that features long catkins in spring and small, woody cones in autumn. It forms a dense, leafy screen, providing an excellent habitat for wildlife including butterflies, birds, caterpillars, moths, and over 90 other insect and small bird species.

In addition to its wildlife benefits, Alder is highly adaptable, thriving in wet and poor-quality soils. It can even tolerate standing water up to 30 cm deep, making it an ideal choice for coastal and waterside locations such as around lakes and rivers. It is particularly suitable for gardens prone to water logging.

Alder prefers sunny or semi-shaded conditions for optimal growth and serves as an effective screen against harsh weather. Its dense foliage also makes it a highly efficient windbreak.

Alder can be planted as a single-species hedge or combined with other native species. It has the added benefit of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into soil-based nitrates, which can fertilise both the Alder itself and surrounding plants, enabling it to thrive even in less fertile soils.

Pruning Advice

General hedge trimming of Alder should be carried out in late autumn. It is crucial to prune Alder at the appropriate time to avoid removing new growth. Unusually for a deciduous plant, Alder begins to develop new shoots during the latter part of winter, even though this growth is not visible. Therefore, unlike other deciduous species that are best pruned during this period, Alder requires trimming slightly earlier in the year.

Pruning in late autumn, when the plant has ceased growing, will also help prevent sap bleeding, which can occur if the plant is still actively growing. Sap bleeding can attract pests that may carry diseases, so early pruning is essential for maintaining plant health.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.