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Hazel Hedging

Hazel Hedging, also known as Corylus avellana, Hazel Corylus avellana, is an attractive, native, deciduous hedging species that produces edible fruit that are of vital importance to birds and other wildlife. Hazel hedge plants are available in various root types, including bare root and pot grown plants, to offer our customers flexibility in their purchasing options.

Hazel Hedge
Hazel is an attractive, native, deciduous hedging plant, with large green leaves that turn yellow in the autumn, yellow catkins and edible nuts.
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What is Hazel Hedging?

Hazel hedging, derived from the Corylus genus, stands as a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike, seeking to imbue their spaces with both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality.

This deciduous shrub, known for its dense foliage and rapid growth, serves a dual purpose by offering privacy and acting as a haven for wildlife.

With its capacity to thrive in a variety of soil types and its resilience against harsh weather conditions, hazel hedges are lauded for their ease of maintenance.

Beyond their utility, the vibrant, green leaves and the seasonal display of catkins add a visual charm to gardens throughout the year, making hazel hedges a quintessential element of British gardening tradition.

Benefits of Hazel Hedges

Planting tips for Hazel Hedging Plants

Planting hazel hedging plants is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of your garden.

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the site by clearing any weeds or debris and enriching the soil with organic matter to give the plants the best start possible. Selecting healthy, disease-free plants from a reputable nursery will also contribute to the success of your hazel hedging.

With the right care and consideration, these plants can quickly establish themselves, forming a dense and vibrant hedge that will bring beauty and a host of benefits to your garden for years to come.

Growth Rates

Hazel hedging is renowned for its fast growth rate, typically achieving between 30 to 60 centimeters annually. This rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to establish a hedge quickly.

Establishing a routine for watering, mulching, and fertilising can significantly contribute to the vitality and growth speed of your hazel hedging, ensuring it becomes a robust and lush barrier in a relatively short period.

How to Plant Hazel Hedging

To plant hazel hedging effectively, follow these steps to ensure a healthy and thriving hedge:

Spacing: For a single row of hazel plants, space them approximately 45-60cm apart, equating to about 3-5 plants needed per meter. For a denser hedge, consider a double row with staggered plants, which requires 5-7 plants per meter. This guideline helps in planning the quantity of plants needed for establishing a hazel hedge based on the desired density and speed of development.
Digging: Prepare a trench that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system of the plants. This usually means making the trench around 30cm deep and wide.
Planting: Place the hazel plants in the trench, ensuring that the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the trench with soil, gently firming down to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Immediately after planting, water the plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and help with initial establishment.
Support: In some cases, especially in exposed areas, it might be necessary to stake young plants to ensure they grow straight and are not damaged by strong winds.
Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil.

By following these steps, gardeners can expect their hazel hedging to establish quickly, creating an attractive and wildlife-friendly boundary that enhances the overall ambiance of the garden.

Regular watering during the first growing season, especially during dry spells, will further ensure the success of newly planted hazel hedges.

When to plant Hazel hedges

The best time to plant a hazel hedge is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, to minimise stress on the plants and promote healthy root development.

Hazel hedge spacing chart

Please refer to our plant spacing chart below for the correct distances to space your hazel hedge plants.

Plant size	No. Plants per metre	Plant spacing
Bare Root 40-60cm	6 per metre	17 cm apart
Bare Root 60-90cm	5 per metre	20 cm apart
Bare Root 90-120cm	5 per metre	20 cm apart
Bare Root 120-150cm	4 per metre	25 cm apart
Pot Grown 40-60cm	4 per metre	25 cm apart
Pot Grown 60-90cm	4 per metre	25 cm apart
Pot Grown 90-120cm	4 per metre	25 cm apart
Pot Grown 125-150cm	4 per metre	25 cm apart

Preferred Soil Types & Positions

Hazel hedges, known for their adaptability, can thrive in a wide range of soil types. However, for optimal growth and health, they prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Here are some specific preferences:

Soil Types: They perform best in loamy soils but can adapt to clay and sandy soils, provided there is adequate drainage and moisture.
pH Levels: Hazel plants are adaptable to a variety of pH levels but ideally grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Position: While hazel hedges can tolerate partial shade, they flourish in positions that receive full sun for at least part of the day. This ensures robust growth and healthier foliage.
Wind and Exposure: While hazel hedges can withstand wind and are quite hardy, in very exposed areas, it’s beneficial to provide some shelter when young, until they establish themselves as a durable barrier.

Adding to their visual appeal, the long yellow catkins that adorn the branches in early spring enhance the garden’s aesthetic, making hazel hedges a popular choice for both their functionality and decorative value.

Pruning and Caring for Hazel Hedges

Proper pruning and care are vital for maintaining the health, shape, and density of hazel hedges, ensuring they provide maximum benefits and beauty in your garden. Here are some guidelines for the effective pruning and ongoing care of hazel hedging:

Maintaining a ‘pure hazel hedge’ not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also supports local wildlife and connects with the historical and cultural significance of hazel, from its mythology and folklore to its unique eye color reference, underscoring the importance of proper pruning and care.

Pruning Hazel Hedging

Initial Pruning: After planting, it’s beneficial to prune back the hazel plants by about one-third to encourage bushy growth from the base.
Annual Pruning: Hazel hedges should be pruned at least once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing allows gardeners to shape the hedge and remove any damaged or diseased branches without impacting flowering and fruiting.
Rejuvenation Pruning: If your hazel hedge has become overgrown or neglected, rejuvenation pruning may be necessary. This involves cutting the hedge back substantially (sometimes to ground level) during the dormant season to promote new growth. Hazel is particularly resilient and responds well to hard pruning.

Caring for Hazel Hedges

Watering: Regular watering is crucial during the first few years of establishment and during prolonged dry periods. Once established, hazel hedges are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Adding a layer of compost around the base of the hedge can also provide additional nutrients.
Mulching: Mulching not only helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds but also adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down, improving soil structure and fertility.
Pest and Disease Management: While hazel hedges are generally robust and have few problems with pests and diseases, keeping an eye out for signs of trouble and dealing with issues promptly is essential. Natural or organic treatments are often effective for minor infestations or diseases.

By following these pruning and care tips, your hazel hedge will continue to thrive and serve as a stunning and functional feature in your garden for many years to come.