Bare root, rootball or potted hedging?

What does root type mean?

Root type tells you how a hedge plant is supplied: with bare roots, with a wrapped ball of soil or in a nursery pot. Each calls for different handling and planting arrangements. The species and starting size are separate choices.

Choose a species that suits the garden, then compare the forms available. The season, access, budget and watering arrangements will help you decide. Bare root planting may suit a prepared winter project, while potted plants give you more flexibility if the ground will be ready later.

Bare root hedging

Bare root plants are lifted from the ground with little or no soil around the roots. They are commonly supplied while dormant and can be a practical way to plant a long run. The exposed roots need to stay moist and protected until they are in the ground.

Have the planting strip ready before delivery and plant promptly in suitable conditions. Keep the roots covered while you work through a bundle. If there is a delay, follow the holding instructions and arrange temporary heeling in where appropriate, rather than leaving the roots exposed beside the trench.

Rootballed hedging

Rootballed plants are field-grown and lifted with soil held around their roots, usually in a wrapping. Keep that ball intact when moving and planting. Support it from underneath; pulling by the stem or dragging the wrapping can damage the roots.

Supply is generally seasonal, and a rootball may be much heavier than a small pot of the same plant height. Check gates, steps and lifting arrangements before ordering. Follow the planting instructions for the particular wrapping material, including what to remove.

Potted hedging

Potted plants arrive in nursery containers with compost around the roots. You can plant them whenever the ground is workable, although warm, dry weather means more watering during establishment. Keep the compost moist while the pots are waiting to be planted.

Water the rootball and remove the plastic pot before planting. Check its condition and follow species-appropriate advice where roots are congested. Pot labels such as P9 or 2 litre describe the container; check the stated plant height separately.

Understand pot sizes

Planning and care at a glance

The main differences concern season, weight and care before planting. Every option needs prepared ground and watering while it establishes. Check the chosen listing for its supplied height, selling unit and availability.

What is an instant hedge?

Instant hedging usually consists of plants grown together as a prepared section, or stock specifically sold to give immediate coverage. Check the description carefully: an individual potted evergreen still needs time to grow together with its neighbours.

For immediate screening, ask about width, height and density, plus the size and weight of each unit. Work out quantities from the unit dimensions and measured boundary. The calculation used for individual small plants will not suit a pre-grown hedge section.

Which form suits your planting plans?

Compare the whole job as well as the plant price. Bare root stock needs the ground and labour ready for the planting season. Larger rootballs and hedge sections need more thought about movement, access and watering. Small pots are easier to handle, but need time and training to fill the row.

Select from the root types and sizes currently available on the product page, then check the quantity and care details. If you change the specification, review the planting season and handling arrangements before ordering.

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