The Perfect Time to Plant Trees and Hedges: Your Complete Guide

CEO & Garden Designer
Ruth Marshall

As the weather turns cooler, it’s the ideal season for planting trees and hedging! With trees and shrubs entering dormancy, now is the perfect time to safely move and plant them in rootball form. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s dive in.

rootball tree being moved

Image: Rootball Tree

Why Plant Trees and Hedges in Rootball Form?

Rootball planting involves growing trees and shrubs in fields and then lifting and transporting them with their roots wrapped in a protective ball of hessian and a metal cage for support. This process keeps roots compact and promotes healthier growth by avoiding the stunted root systems that can occur in potted plants. Plus, it’s cost-effective for suppliers, meaning you often get a larger, healthier plant for the same price.

Why Autumn is the Perfect Time for Tree and Hedge Planting

The colder months provide the ideal conditions for transplanting. During dormancy, trees and shrubs experience less shock when moved, leading to better root establishment and overall growth. So, whether you’re planning for privacy hedging, garden screening, or a grand tree planting project, now is the time to start!

Root Ball Hedging

Steps for Planting Trees and Hedges

1. DIY Planting for Smaller Hedges

If you’re planning a small hedge and enjoy hands-on gardening, planting hedges yourself is easy. Start by measuring the length of your desired hedge line and choose your plants accordingly. For guidance on selecting the best size and spacing, suppliers like Hedges Direct offer helpful tips. You can also find insights in our recommended articles:

2. Professional Help for Large Trees and Hedges

For larger hedges or trees, or if you’re planning a significant landscape overhaul, expert assistance is invaluable. Larger installations require specialised equipment, anchoring, and precise handling. Our team can help with everything from species selection to size recommendations, sourcing, and installation. We also offer tailored landscape design services to ensure your project fits seamlessly with your outdoor vision.

rootball hedging

Benefits of Choosing Professional Tree and Hedge Planting

When you work with professionals, you get access to expert advice on the best species for your location, as well as ideal sizes and placements. We provide installation for any scale, from small garden hedges to extensive tree installations for larger landscapes.

Get in Touch with Our Team

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Our friendly team is here to help with personalised advice, from design ideas to full-scale installations. Whether it’s a small garden makeover or a major landscaping project, we’re equipped to bring your vision to life.

CGLA are an award winning team of Garden Designers, Landscape Architects, Landscapers and Garden Maintenance Operatives working in Buckinghamshire, London and the South East, as well as on prestigious design projects across the UK and abroad. We are currently working in Oman, Jersey and France, and welcome enquires for design, landscaping or garden maintenance. Contact us here

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