All About Hedges
- artfulgardensnz
- Jul 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 3
A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees. Hedges are a valuable element to add to your garden they create structure, can add a screen for privacy or hide an unwanted view. They can also be used as an alternative to fencing
Hedges provide a lush and interesting backdrop for your garden with their many colours of foliage, flowers and varying textures. Hedges are insect sanctuaries, they can block wind, noise and dust. They also cover the ground so very little weeding is required where you have a hedge.
Hedging Ideas
Hedge plants are healthier if they’re not planted too close together so they will do not have to compete for water and nutrients.
Working Out Hedge Spacing
Below is a guide on how to work out the spacings and how many hedge plants you will need for your next hedge.
SPACE YOUR HEDGING PLANTS AT:
20-30cm apart for low hedges
40-50cm apart for medium hedges
70 cm apart for tall hedges
Calculating the number of hedging plants you need
1) Decide whether this will be a low, medium or tall hedge
2) Use the table above to work out the spacing you will use.
For this example we are doing a low hedge of Berberis so our plants will be spaced at 30cm apart
3) Work out the total length of hedge you will be planting.
In this example it is 4m + 4m + 4m + 4m = 16m
4) Convert the hedge spacing measurement from cm to metres- eg 30cm to 0.3m
5) Divide the total length of the hedge by the spacing measurement- eg 16 / .3 = 53.3
6) Round this measurement to a whole number- eg 53
7) Then add one additional plant for the end of the hedge- eg 54
Total plants needed for this hedge = 54
For more advice like this see What Plant Where- A Simple Garden Making Guide For Aotearoa New Zealand Gardens or book an on-site garden consultation with Artful Gardens today.
