A hedge is a popular privacy screen, precisely because the green changes throughout the year and thus creates a varied picture. However, this change also requires good growth planning. While you can accurately calculate the cost of erecting a wooden fence, when planting your hedge you may have questions about the spacing between plants. You can get help below.

How much space hedge plants need depends on their growth height

Legal regulations

The selection of hedge plants is huge, but not unlimited. The responsible office often specifies what your hedge must be like. Above all, the height is decisive, so that there are no blind spots, for example on corner properties. Of course, you must also comply with the generally applicable distance from the construction line here.

The shape of the cut is crucial

If your hedge is primarily intended to provide privacy protection, you should take the cut shape of the trees into account when planting. Rectangular, uniform bushes will completely shield your plot from the eyes of curious passers-by. It is different if you cut conifers as a pyramid or cone, for example. In this case, there is a gap at the top that allows you to look inside. One solution here would be to plant the individual elements in a staggered manner. However, this would have an impact on the planting distance.

rule of thumb

The plant cut is always adjusted to the distance and not the other way around.

The size of the bale as a guide

When determining the appropriate planting distance, not only the growth height and the width of the plant are decisive. Also note the underground extent of the bale. Orientate yourself on the main and middle shoot of your shrub.

General guidelines

Referring again to the height of your hedge, the following guidelines apply:
30-40 cm growth height: 4-5 plants per meter
40-60 cm growth height: 3-4 plants per meter
60-100 cm growth height: 2-3 plants per meter
taller than 100 cm: 1-2 plants per meter

Consequences of too dense planting

Of course, a dense planting enables an extremely quick privacy screen. However, there is a risk that individual elements will not get enough sunlight, will turn brown from the inside and your hedge will end up dying.

Help from the pro

If you are still unsure about the correct planting distance for your hedge, it is best to contact a tree nursery in your area. Here you will receive tailor-made hedge elements that have been calculated by experienced specialists. These fill any gaps without the risk of too close or too wide a gap.

Category:

Garden design