In this article, we cover the key steps to successfully planting a hedge, including calculating the number of shrubs needed, determining proper spacing, preparing the soil, watering, mulching, weed control, and the care required during the first two growing seasons.
Planning Your Hedge Before Planting
Choosing the Right Shrub Species
Take the time to determine your needs. They will help guide you toward the shrub species best suited to your landscape.
If you have already selected the shrubs for your hedge, you've completed the first step. If not, we invite you to read our article The Best Hedge Shrubs for Ontario and Eastern Canada, where we recommend species suited to a variety of growing conditions.
Choosing the Right Plant Size
Have you selected the right shrub species? Now it's time to shop. Regardless of where you purchase your plants, we strongly recommend choosing young shrubs.
In fact, young shrubs sold in smaller container sizes (1 gallon or less) generally develop a more balanced root system, establish more quickly, and produce a more uniform hedge over time. As an added benefit, you'll also save significantly on the overall cost of your project.
Determining the Length of Your Hedge
Take the time to measure the exact location of your future hedge.
A simple string stretched between two stakes creates a straight planting line and makes it easier to calculate the number of shrubs you'll need. If you prefer a curved hedge, opt for gentle curves rather than sharp bends, which are more difficult to plant and often produce a less attractive result.
Be sure to leave adequate clearance around driveways, fences, buildings, and other landscape features. Also keep in mind the mature width of your shrubs. A hedge with enough room to grow will maintain a more natural appearance, require less pruning, and remain healthy for many years.
What Is the Recommended Spacing for Hedge Shrubs?
The spacing between shrubs has a direct impact on the density, appearance, and longevity of your hedge. It depends primarily on the type of hedge you want to create, the mature width of the shrubs, and the desired effect. Keep in mind that a low hedge is generally planted more densely than a tall privacy hedge.
The mature width is listed on the plant label or in the product description. As a general rule, spacing shrubs at 50% to 75% of their mature width will produce a dense hedge while still allowing each shrub enough room to develop properly.
Recommended Planting Spacing Based on Mature Shrub Width and Hedge Type
| Mature Width | Recommended Spacing | Typical Use |
| Up to 0.8 m (2.6 ft) | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) | Low ornamental hedge |
| 0.8–1.2 m (2.6–4 ft) | 60–90 cm (24–36 in) | Medium-sized hedge |
| 1.2–2.0 m (4–6.6 ft) | 90–120 cm (36–48 in) | Privacy hedge |
| Over 2.0 m (6.6 ft) | 120–180 cm (48–72 in) | Large hedge or windbreak |
Good to Know
Two shrubs may reach the same height while having very different mature widths. Always refer to the mature width listed in the product description when determining the proper planting distance.
How Many Shrubs Do You Need?
Once you've measured the length of your hedge and determined the appropriate spacing, simply use the following formula:
Number of Shrubs = Hedge Length ÷ Planting Distance
Example: Your Peking Cotoneaster hedge is 20 m (66 ft) long. You choose a planting distance of 90 cm (0.9 m / 36 in) between shrubs. You'll need 22 shrubs. (20 m ÷ 0.9 m = 22 shrubs)
Photo: Peking Cotoneaster hedge in autumn
Preparing the Soil Before Planting a Hedge
Before planting, remove weeds, grass, and any other vegetation along the planting strip to reduce competition for water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Whether you dig individual planting holes or a continuous trench, the goal is the same: provide loose, well-aerated soil that encourages rapid root establishment. For most residential hedges, individual planting holes are perfectly suitable and generally require less work. However, if the soil is heavily compacted or you're planting a large hedge with machinery, digging a trench can make site preparation easier.
Take this opportunity to loosen the soil at the bottom and along the sides of each planting hole. This allows young roots to spread more easily into the surrounding soil. If your soil is very heavy (clay) or very sandy, incorporating a small amount of organic matter can also help improve its structure.
Avoid mixing large amounts of planting mix, compost, or fertilizer into the planting hole. A significant difference between the amended soil and the surrounding native soil can discourage roots from growing outward. In most cases, well-loosened soil with a modest addition of organic matter provides the best foundation for a healthy, long-lasting hedge.
How to Plant Hedge Shrubs
The planting principles are the same as those used for any individually planted tree or shrub.
For step-by-step instructions, see our guide How to Plant a Tree or Shrub.
Watering a Newly Planted Hedge
Watering is undoubtedly the most important factor in the successful establishment of a new hedge. Even the hardiest shrubs require consistent moisture while their roots expand into the surrounding soil. This establishment period typically lasts two growing seasons.
The goal isn't to water every day, but rather to water deeply so that moisture reaches the root zone. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward instead of remaining close to the soil surface, where they're more vulnerable to drought.
How often you should water depends on several factors, including rainfall, temperature, soil type, and sun exposure. Sandy soils dry out much faster than clay soils, while a hedge planted in full sun generally requires more frequent watering than one growing in partial shade.
Watering by Hand
For smaller hedges, watering by hand is often sufficient. Water slowly at the base of each shrub so the water soaks deeply into the soil instead of running off the surface.
Before watering again, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger or a small trowel a few centimetres into the soil. If the soil is still moist, it's best to wait before watering again.
Installing a Drip Irrigation System
For long hedges, a drip irrigation system or soaker hose is an excellent investment. It delivers water directly to the roots, reduces evaporation losses, and provides even watering along the entire length of the hedge.
In addition to conserving water, this type of irrigation system requires very little maintenance and makes watering much easier during dry periods or extended absences.
Is Mulch Necessary?
Mulch is one of the best investments you can make for a newly planted hedge. In addition to helping the soil retain moisture, it suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and protects the roots during periods of heat and drought.
Organic mulches, such as wood chips, ramial chipped wood (RCW), or shredded leaves, gradually decompose and enrich the soil with organic matter.
A mulch layer 7–10 cm (3–4 in) thick is generally recommended. Be sure to leave a few centimetres of space around the stems to prevent excess moisture from accumulating, which could encourage certain diseases.
Keep Your Hedge Weed-Free During the First Two Years
Young shrubs are especially sensitive to competition from grass and weeds. These plants compete for the same water and nutrients, which can significantly slow the growth of your hedge.
Maintain a vegetation-free strip on both sides of the hedge, especially during the first two growing seasons. While mulch will greatly reduce weed growth, occasional hand weeding may still be necessary.
Caring for Your Hedge During the First Growing Season
The first year is all about root establishment. Regular monitoring will help your shrubs become well established and encourage even, vigorous growth.
During this period, pay particular attention to the following:
- Check soil moisture regularly and water as needed.
- Keep the mulch in place and replenish it if necessary.
- Remove any weeds growing through the mulch.
- Watch for signs of insect pests or disease.
- Prune away any dead, broken, or damaged branches.
- Protect young shrubs from deer or rodent damage when necessary.
In most cases, there is no need to fertilize a newly planted hedge during its first year. The shrubs' energy is better directed toward developing a strong, healthy root system.
Caring for Your Hedge During the Second Growing Season
By the second year, your shrubs will have become more established and increasingly self-sufficient, but a few maintenance tasks remain important.
Continue watering during extended dry periods, replenish the mulch if it has decomposed or thinned, and keep weeds under control.
This is also the ideal time to carry out the first formative pruning, if appropriate for the species. Light pruning encourages branching and helps develop a denser hedge from the base. Avoid heavy pruning, however, as it can slow the growth of young shrubs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting a Hedge
Even when you choose well-adapted shrubs, certain mistakes can compromise the long-term success of your hedge.
The most common are:
- Planting shrubs too close together.
- Neglecting soil preparation.
- Watering too little... or too often.
- Forgetting to apply mulch.
- Allowing grass to grow right up to the base of the shrubs.
- Applying excessive fertilizer at planting time.
- Failing to water young shrubs during prolonged dry periods.
Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to avoid with proper planning and regular care during the first two growing seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting a Hedge
When Is the Best Time to Plant a Hedge in Ontario and Eastern Canada?
Spring and early fall are the best times to plant a hedge. Cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall promote root establishment. However, container-grown shrubs can be planted throughout the growing season, provided they are watered properly.
Can I Plant a Hedge in Summer?
Yes. Container-grown shrubs can be planted during the summer. However, they require more frequent watering and a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture. Whenever possible, plant early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce transplant stress.
How Long Should I Water a Newly Planted Hedge?
The first two growing seasons are the most important. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root development. The exact watering schedule will depend on weather conditions, soil type, and natural rainfall.
Should I Fertilize a Newly Planted Hedge During the First Year?
In most cases, no. Well-prepared soil, proper mulching, and consistent watering are usually all that's needed for successful establishment. Fertilization requirements can be assessed in the following years if necessary.
When Should I Prune a Young Hedge?
Heavy pruning is rarely necessary during the first year. Beginning in the second growing season, light formative pruning often helps create a denser, better-shaped hedge. Dead or damaged branches, however, can be removed at any time.
Article written by Suzanne Simard, Horticultural Writer and Certified Horticultural Technologist, and Audrey Rondeau, Biologist, M.Env., Director of Production and Development at Pépinière Vert Forêt, with editorial support from AI.
