Hey everyone! I'm planning to plant a beech hedge in my front garden and could really use some advice to ensure I get the best results. I'm considering ordering some *Fagus sylvatica* and need about 2 meters of coverage, so I'm thinking of getting 4 plants. My goal is for the hedge to reach about 1.5 to 2 meters in height. I found a pack of 4 from Woodland Trust for £16.95. Also, just to give some context, my garden faces east, the soil is SE London clay, and there's a small wall that's about 2 feet high behind where the hedge will sit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Hornbeam might indeed be a better pick if your soil tends to be wet! I’d personally suggest going for at least 6 plants for a thicker hedge. And yes, bare root plants can be more cost-effective and have a higher chance of establishing well. Just remember to prepare the soil with compost and wait for a bit of rain before planting. It’ll make things easier!
If you’re set on just 4 plants, the deal you found seems decent, but for a denser hedge, you might want to consider getting more. Spring is often a great time to find taller bare root plants at a better price. Be sure to add compost to the soil and water them well after planting. Hold off on any trimming until they reach your desired height!
Beech hedges are a solid choice, but keep in mind they don’t do well if the soil becomes waterlogged. If that’s a possibility, consider Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) instead—it's similar and handles wet roots better. For spacing, if you're going for standard density, aim for about 3 plants per meter, or 2 for a looser look. If you want it denser, try two staggered rows. Also, don't forget that you'll need to trim them a couple of times a year to encourage growth lower down. Good luck with your hedge!
Thanks for the info! I didn't realize Hornbeam was such a good alternative for wetter soils!