Root Balled Hedging
What Is Root-Balled Hedging?
Root-balled plants are grown directly in open nursery fields rather than pots. When they reach a mature, well-established size, they are dug out of the ground with the native soil surrounding their fibrous root system. To protect the roots during transit and handling, the soil ball is tightly wrapped in biodegradable hessian (jute) and sometimes a wire mesh.
Key Benefits
- Instant Impact: Because they are older and larger than bare-root plants, they deliver immediate height, volume, and privacy.
- Strong Root Systems: Growing in open earth allows roots to develop naturally without being coiled or restricted by a container.
- Cost-Effective Maturity: They offer a more affordable way to achieve a mature, dense screen compared to buying heavy pot-grown plants of the same size.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Wrapped in natural, plastic-free materials that decompose safely in the soil.
Seasonality & Availability
- Dormant Season Only: Root-balled plants can only be lifted and planted during the cold winter months—typically from late autumn through early spring (October to March/April) when the plants are dormant.
- Reduced Transplant Shock: Moving plants while they are dormant minimizes stress and gives the root system several months to anchor and settle before spring growth begins.
Popular Root-Balled Varieties
- Evergreens: Common Laurel (Prunus rotundifolia) Yew (Taxus baccata) and Portugese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)
- Deciduous: Green and Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Green Privet (Ligustrum)
Essential Planting & Care Tips
- Do Not Remove the Hessian: Leave the biodegradable hessian and twine/wire wrapping intact when planting; cutting or removing them can damage the delicate root ball.
- Plant at the Right Depth: Set the plant into the trench so the top of the root ball sits level with the original soil mark on the stem.
- Water Thoroughly: Give root balls a deep watering immediately after planting and maintain regular watering through dry spells in their first spring and summer.
- Handle with Care: Larger root-balled sizes can be heavy and may require mechanical lifting equipment or extra hands to position.
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