Hedging care & growing guide
A mixed native hedge establishes successfully when the species suit the site, the planting line is thoroughly prepared, the plants are set at the correct density, and weeds and moisture are managed for at least the first two growing seasons. Most traditional packs are planted as bare-root whips in two staggered rows during dormancy, while pot-grown and instant options provide greater flexibility. This guide explains how to choose, plant, space, water, protect and prune the different products in our native mixed hedging range.
Mixed native hedging should not be treated as one uniform plant. Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Holly, Dog Rose, Guelder Rose, Dogwood, Hornbeam and Beech have different growth habits and site preferences. The pack composition changes the hedge’s wildlife value, thorniness, winter appearance, eventual width and management. Check the exact product description whenever one species is particularly important to the project.
Expert nursery advice
“A good mixed native hedge is more than several plants placed in the same trench. The species must suit the soil, exposure and purpose of the boundary, and the young plants need careful watering, weed control and formative pruning before they can develop into a dense, useful hedgerow.”
From our nursery
“The Garden Wildlife Mix adds Holly, Dog Rose and Guelder Rose to the core native species, giving a longer season of flowers, fruits and colour. I like it where customers want a useful boundary but also want the hedge to become an attractive part of the garden rather than simply a line between two spaces.”
“The Field Wildlife Mix is a dependable starting point for a traditional country-style hedge. Hawthorn and Blackthorn provide a strong framework, while Field Maple and Hazel add variation in leaf shape, autumn colour and structure. It is a sensible mix for field edges, rural boundaries and gardens that need to blend into the surrounding landscape.”
“Around paddocks, the hedge should never be treated as the only stock-proof barrier. Establish the plants behind suitable fencing, keep horses away from the young growth and inspect the boundary regularly. This mix has been selected for livestock settings, but good fencing, pasture management and checking for self-seeded poisonous plants remain essential.”
“CountryHedge is useful when a project needs an immediate species-rich boundary rather than waiting for small whips to join together. The troughs are substantial, so correct trench preparation and deep watering are critical. The hedge looks established on day one, but the roots still need time and consistent care to grow into the surrounding soil.”
“The Thornless Mix is a practical choice beside paths, play areas and access routes where Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog Rose would be inconvenient. Field Maple, Hazel, Guelder Rose and three Dogwoods still create a varied hedge, with coloured winter stems adding interest after the leaves have fallen.”
“A grant-funded hedge has to meet the current agreement, not merely resemble a traditional hedge. Check the approved specification before ordering, prepare the full planting strip, keep accurate records and allow for protection and replacement plants. The planting work is only the beginning; establishment and evidence are equally important.”
“The Green and Purple Beech Mix is different from a species-rich wildlife pack. It creates a more uniform, formal hedge with contrasting foliage, and a well-trimmed Beech hedge can retain dry leaves through much of winter. Give it free-draining soil and avoid planting Beech where the ground remains wet.”
Compare the available plants, formats and starting sizes in the complete range.
Explore our complete Native Mixed hedging range| Plant type | A mixture of deciduous native shrubs and small trees, sometimes with Holly or leaf-retaining Beech |
|---|---|
| Evergreen or deciduous | Deciduous |
| Typical growth rate | Often about 20–60cm a year once established, depending on species, soil, exposure and pruning |
| Preferred position | Full sun or partial shade; choose the mix to suit exposure and soil |
| Soil | Most reasonably fertile soils with workable structure; avoid prolonged waterlogging unless a specifically suitable mix is chosen |
| Watering | Water thoroughly at planting and during dry periods for the first two growing seasons |
| Pruning period | Formative pruning in the first two winters; established wildlife hedges are often cut lightly in late winter or on a rotation |
| Feeding | Usually little is required in normal soil; mulch and use a spring top dressing only where justified |
| Hardiness | Generally hardy in UK conditions, with tolerance varying by species |
| Typical hedge height | About 1.5–3m for many garden and field hedges; larger if allowed to develop naturally |
| Planting season | Bare root from autumn to early spring; pot grown year-round in suitable weather; BN11 must follow the active agreement |
| Root types commonly available | Bare root, pot grown and instant trough-grown units |
| Product | Main composition or format | Best suited to | Important difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Wildlife Hedging Mix | Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple and Hazel | Field edges, rural boundaries, exposed sites and traditional-looking hedges | A simple four-species framework mix with thorns and strong countryside character |
| Garden Wildlife Hedging Mix | Field mix species plus Holly, Dog Rose and Guelder Rose | Garden boundaries needing flowers, berries, colour and varied structure | More ornamental and species-rich, with thorns and a small evergreen element |
| Horse Safe Hedging Mix | Hawthorn, Hazel, mixed Dogwoods and Guelder Rose | Paddock boundaries planted behind suitable fencing | Selected for livestock settings, but not a substitute for secure fencing or pasture checks |
| Instant CountryHedge | Species-rich mix established in metre-long troughs | Developments, ecology schemes, gardens and commercial sites needing immediate impact | One substantial unit fills one metre and requires greater trench preparation and watering |
| Thornless Hedging Mix | Field Maple, Hazel, Guelder Rose and three Dogwoods | Paths, play areas, access routes and gardens where thorns are undesirable | Thornless does not mean edible or risk-free; coloured Dogwoods add winter interest |
| Countryside Stewardship BN11 Mix | Native 45–60cm two-year transplants, with no one species above the permitted proportion | Eligible grant-funded new hedgerows under a current approved agreement | Must meet government density, timing, strip preparation, protection and evidence requirements |
| Green and Purple Beech Mix | 75% Green Beech and 25% Purple Beech | More formal colourful hedges with winter leaf retention | A same-species colour mix rather than a species-rich wildlife pack; unsuitable for persistently wet soil |
| Product or format | Plants or units per metre | Row spacing | Layout note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Wildlife Mix | 5 plants | 30cm | Two staggered rows; plants about 40cm apart along each row |
| Garden Wildlife Mix | 5 plants | 30cm | Mix species irregularly rather than in blocks |
| Horse Safe Mix | 5 plants | 30cm | Plant behind a separate stock-proof fence |
| Thornless Mix | 5 plants | 30cm | Allow room for spreading Hazel and Dogwood stems |
| Green and Purple Beech Mix | 5 plants | 30cm | Distribute Purple Beech evenly for a balanced colour effect |
| Countryside Stewardship BN11 | At least 6 plants | 40cm | Two staggered rows using compliant 45–60cm two-year transplants |
| Instant CountryHedge | 1 trough unit | Single continuous line | Each unit fills approximately one metre of finished hedge |
Most mixed native hedges need little fertiliser when planted into reasonable soil. Establishment depends more on weed control, water and soil structure than heavy feeding. Where soil is poor or spring growth is weak, apply a balanced Hedge Feed as a top dressing according to its label, then water if rain is not expected.
Do not feed bare roots directly in the planting slit. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding late in summer because soft growth may be damaged by winter weather. CountryHedge is supplied in compost containing feed for its initial establishment period, so additional fertiliser at planting is unnecessary unless the current product instructions change.
Renewing an organic mulch in late winter or early spring improves soil condition, reduces moisture loss and suppresses weeds. On BN11 schemes, follow the current agreement and agricultural hedgerow rules before applying fertiliser near the hedge.
| Species or group | Indicative annual extension | Natural tendency | Management implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn and Blackthorn | Often 30–60cm | Dense thorny framework; Blackthorn can sucker | Need width control near paths and boundaries |
| Hazel and Dogwood | Often 30–60cm | Broad vigorous multi-stem growth | Thin or renew selected stems to prevent domination |
| Field Maple and Hornbeam | Often 20–40cm | Strong hedge structure with autumn colour | Respond well to regular formative pruning |
| Holly | Often 10–20cm | Slower evergreen component | Do not let faster neighbours completely shade it |
| Guelder Rose and Dog Rose | Often 20–40cm | Flowering and fruiting arching growth | Leave some older growth uncut for wildlife value |
| Beech | Often 20–40cm | Formal dense hedge with leaf retention when clipped | Trim in August and maintain on free-draining soil |
| Period | Main tasks | Important checks |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Plant bare root when soil is workable; formative prune young hedges; repair guards and fences | Frozen ground, waterlogging, livestock pressure and active nests |
| March | Complete bare-root and BN11 planting within permitted dates; plant clay sites when workable | Drying winds, weed growth and the start of nesting activity |
| April–May | Check bud break, water new hedges, renew mulch and replace failed stock where season permits | Rabbit damage, aphids, mildew and dry original root balls |
| June–July | Maintain irrigation, keep the strip weed free and inspect guards | Drought, strimmer damage, browsing and active nests |
| August | Trim Beech; lightly shape formal garden hedges after nest checks | Heat stress and premature cutting of berrying species |
| September–October | Plan new schemes, prepare ground, order bare-root packs and leave fruits for wildlife | Local provenance, grant approval, drainage and delivery access |
| November–December | Plant bare-root packs, BN11 schemes and replacements; mulch and record work | Root drying, poor firming, wind-rock and missing protection |
| Symptom | Likely causes | How to check | First action |
|---|---|---|---|
| No spring leaf growth | Dead bare roots, drought, failed establishment or late dormancy | Scratch a small stem and look for green tissue; inspect roots | Water if dry, allow for species timing and replace confirmed dead plants next season |
| Yellow leaves | Waterlogging, drought, nutrient stress or normal autumn colour | Check the season, soil moisture and whether low-lying plants are affected | Correct water conditions before feeding |
| Brown leaf edges | Drought, wind scorch, salt exposure or root damage | Check exposure and moisture below mulch | Water deeply if dry and improve temporary shelter |
| Plants snapped or stripped | Rabbit, hare, deer, livestock or machinery damage | Look for tooth marks, footprints and missing bark | Install suitable protection and prune to sound wood |
| Blackened hooked Hawthorn shoots | Possible fireblight | Inspect for scorched tips and discoloured wood | Seek diagnosis and remove affected wood with disinfected tools |
| White growth beneath bark and sudden decline | Possible honey fungus | Look for fungal sheets, bootlace-like strands or autumn mushrooms | Obtain diagnosis before replanting and remove infected woody material appropriately |
| Powdery coating on Hawthorn | Powdery mildew, often worsened by dry roots | Look for a removable white coating and crowded foliage | Improve watering consistency and airflow |
| Sparse base | Insufficient formative pruning, weeds, shade or guards left too long | Inspect lower light and branching | Improve light and weed control, then prune in stages |
A species-rich hedge can provide nectar, pollen, caterpillar food, berries, hips, nuts, nesting cover and protected routes between habitats. Hawthorn blossom supports insects and its haws feed birds. Blackthorn flowers early and produces sloes. Hazel provides catkins and nuts. Dog Rose produces flowers and hips, while Guelder Rose adds flowers and red fruit.
Structure matters as much as the species list. A broad hedge with dense lower branches, occasional taller growth and an undisturbed base offers more niches than a thin line cut tightly to the same dimensions every year. Where space allows, retain a grassy or wildflower margin and allow some fruiting sections to escape annual cutting.
Cutting berrying hedges in alternate years or late winter preserves more food for wildlife. Avoid active nests at all times. Agricultural land may also require a two-metre buffer from the hedge centre where cultivation and fertiliser or pesticide use is restricted.
The best time for bare-root mixed native hedging is usually November to March, while plants are dormant and soil is naturally moist. Pot-grown and instant hedging can be planted at other times if the ground is workable and watering is reliable. BN11 planting must follow its stricter 1 November to 31 March window.
Standard Hedging Plants Direct wildlife, horse-safe, thornless and Beech metre packs contain five plants per metre. BN11 requires at least six plants per metre. Instant CountryHedge uses one trough unit per metre. A calculator showing one item per metre on a pack page refers to one complete metre pack, not one individual whip.
Standard five-plant packs are planted in two staggered rows about 30cm apart, with plants about 40cm apart along each row. BN11 requires two staggered rows 40cm apart. Follow the product or agreement specification rather than applying one layout to every project.
Most mixed native hedges average about 20–40cm of annual extension, although vigorous Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel and Dogwood may make 30–60cm once established. Holly is slower. The first year may show limited shoot growth while roots establish.
A five-plant-per-metre hedge can begin to join after two or three growing seasons when planted and maintained correctly. A dense mature hedgerow takes longer. Starting size, formative pruning, water, weeds, browsing and soil conditions are more important than height at delivery alone.
Yes, the supplied wildlife packs are designed for two staggered rows because this produces a broad, interlocking hedge. BN11 also requires a double row. A single row may suit a narrow domestic design using separately selected plants, but it will not deliver the same density.
Water thoroughly at planting, then check the soil regularly through dry weather during the first two growing seasons. Frequency depends on soil, wind, rainfall and plant format. Sandy and exposed sites dry quickly, while clay must be checked for waterlogging.
Usually not in reasonably fertile soil. Weed control, water and mulch are more important during establishment. Apply a balanced hedge feed in spring only where soil is poor or growth is weak. Do not place concentrated fertiliser against bare roots or feed heavily late in the season.
Use winter formative pruning during the first two years to encourage a dense base. Established wildlife hedges can be cut lightly in late winter, in alternate sections or every two to three years where appropriate. Beech is usually trimmed in August. Check for active bird nests before every cut.
Partial shade suits many native hedge plants, including Hazel, Holly, Hawthorn and Hornbeam. Deep shade beneath mature trees creates strong competition and can cause sparse growth. Choose shade-tolerant species and expect slower establishment.
Yes, provided the clay is not permanently waterlogged or severely compacted. Hawthorn, Field Maple and Hornbeam are generally adaptable, while Beech requires better drainage. Prepare a broad strip and avoid smearing wet clay. Current BN11 advice recommends March planting on clay sites.
No, most traditional mixed native hedging is predominantly deciduous. Holly adds some evergreen foliage, and clipped Beech often retains dry leaves through winter, but the hedge should not be marketed as a fully evergreen screen. Its winter structure still filters wind and provides habitat.
Garden Wildlife Mix and Instant CountryHedge contain the broadest range of flowering and fruiting plants, while Field Wildlife Mix also provides excellent habitat. Management is equally important: allow width, retain a dense base and avoid cutting every berrying section each year.
No plant mix should be treated as a veterinary guarantee or the only paddock barrier. The Horse Safe Mix is selected for livestock settings, but horses should be kept behind a separate secure fence, denied access to young growth and pasture boundaries checked regularly for poisonous self-seeded plants.
Thornless Hedging Mix is the most practical option beside paths, access routes and play areas because it excludes Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog Rose. It still becomes a broad woody hedge, so leave room for Hazel and Dogwood growth and trim before branches obstruct the route.
Different species naturally grow at different rates. Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel and Dogwood often outpace Holly and young Beech. Use selective pruning to stop vigorous plants smothering slower neighbours, and check that slower plants are not dry, shaded or damaged.
Localised death usually points to dry roots, waterlogging, browsing, planting depth, poor firming or machinery damage. Compare the soil and protection along the line. If white fungal growth, bootlace-like strands or repeated woody-plant deaths are present, obtain advice about honey fungus before replanting.
Yes, where the land, agreement and proposal meet the current scheme rules. The 2026 BN11 item requires locally occurring native species, compliant two-year-old 45–60cm plants, at least six plants per metre, a 1.5m prepared strip, protection, replacement of failures and detailed evidence.
Useful planting, pruning and hedge-care advice from our nursery.
Learn how you can easily plant a hedge with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. From picking the right species to planting techniques and after care.
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Compare native hedge plants for UK gardens and find the right species or prepared mixture for wildlife, screening, clay soil, shade and rural boundaries.
