An instant hedge refers to pre-grown hedge plants that are a few feet tall, giving you a mature-looking hedge. Here’s a general guide on how to plant one:

Preparation:

1. Consult a professional: Discuss your plans with a landscape gardener or nursery professional, such as Hortlands and The Tree & Hedge Company. We can advise on the best type of hedge for your location, soil conditions, and desired look. We can also help you determine the right number of hedge sections and ensure proper spacing in the trench.

2. Purchase your instant hedge: These are typically sold by nurseries, garden centres, and professional landscapers. Choose the right type of hedge plant for your climate and needs.

3. Pick a location: Decide where you want your hedge and ensure it gets enough sunlight and space to grow according to the mature size of the plants.

Planting:

1. Prepare the hedge sections: If the hedge comes in containers, remove them carefully. If they’re in cardboard troughs, you can plant them directly in the trench with the cardboard.

2. Professional planting: If you hire a professional, they will handle the trench digging, hedge section positioning, backfilling, and initial watering.

3. Planting yourself (if not using a professional): Dig a trench as deep as the hedge’s root ball and wider to allow for backfilling. Consider loosening the soil at the bottom of the trench to encourage root growth. Position the hedge sections in the trench, ensuring they’re spaced correctly and level. Backfill and water the hedge thoroughly.

Aftercare:

• Water your new hedge regularly, especially during dry periods, until it’s well established (typically a few weeks).
• You may need to stake taller hedges for support initially.
• Prune your hedge lightly to maintain its shape after a few months of growth.

Instant hedges are a great way to add privacy and maturity to your landscape. Here are some places where you can buy them:

• Online retailers: Several online retailers specialise in selling instant hedges. These companies typically have a variety of hedge plants to choose from, and they can deliver the hedges directly to your door.
• Local nurseries: Many local nurseries also sell instant hedges. This can be a good option if you want to see the hedges in person before you buy them. You can also get advice from the nursery staff on the right hedge plants for your needs.

Instant hedges are a great way to add privacy and maturity to your landscape. Here are some places where you can buy them:

• Online retailers: Several online retailers specialise in selling instant hedges. These companies typically have a variety of hedge plants to choose from, and they can deliver the hedges directly to your door.
• Local nurseries: Many local nurseries also sell instant hedges. This can be a good option if you want to see the hedges in person before you buy them. You can also get advice from the nursery staff on the right hedge plants for your needs.

What is the best instant hedge?

Unfortunately, there’s no single “best” instant hedge as the ideal choice depends on several factors specific to your needs and location. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick the best option for your situation:

Consider these factors:

• Climate: Some hedges tolerate cold better than others, while some thrive in coastal areas with salt winds.
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil is ideal for most hedges, but some can tolerate clay or sandy soil better.
• Desired Height and Maintenance: How tall do you want the hedge and how much time can you dedicate to trimming?
• Privacy Needs: How dense and opaque do you want the hedge to be?

Here are some popular instant hedge options with their pros and cons:

• Photinia Red Robin: Pros: Fast-growing, vibrant red new foliage, good privacy screen. Cons: Requires regular trimming, and may not tolerate very cold winters.
• Green Privet: Pros: Fast-growing, low maintenance, inexpensive. Cons: Not very exciting visually, can be invasive in some areas.
• Hornbeam: Pros: Deciduous with beautiful golden autumn foliage, tolerant of various soil types. Cons: Slower growth than some evergreens, requires regular trimming to maintain shape.
• Portuguese Laurel: Pros: Evergreen, dense foliage, tolerates shade. Cons: Can be invasive in some areas, may not tolerate very cold winters.
• Hawthorn: Pros: Excellent for wildlife with flowers and berries, good privacy screen. Cons: Deciduous, has thorns, and can be susceptible to some diseases.