Hedges
Hedge PlantingAcross Stafford& Staffordshire.
New hedges supplied and planted properly — bare-root for value, container-grown for speed, mixed native for wildlife or formal yew for impact.
✓ Quality nursery stock · Bare-root from £15/m · £5m insured
What is Hedge Planting?
A new hedge is one of the most cost-effective boundary treatments — cheaper than fencing over time, better for wildlife, lasting decades. We supply and plant hedge stock across Staffordshire, from native mixed for rural boundaries to formal yew for high-impact garden divisions.
Bare-root planting (Nov–March) gives the best value and establishment. Container-grown stock allows year-round planting at higher cost.
All planting includes site preparation, stock supply, planting, mulching and first-year aftercare guidance.
Who It's For
- Homeowners replacing fences with hedges
- Rural properties needing wildlife boundaries
- Estates planting shelter belts
- Anyone formalising a boundary
When It's Needed
- Old fence is failing and needs replacing
- Wildlife corridor or rural boundary required
- Privacy screen wanted from natural planting
- Existing hedge has died and needs replanting
What Happens If You Leave It
Wrong species choice means a hedge that takes 10 years to fill in — or one that grows out of control within 5 years. Right species, right spacing, right care gets you a useful hedge in 3 years.
Cheap whips dumped in a trench rarely establish. Properly prepared planting positions, quality stock and post-planting care get you 95%+ survival vs the 50% you get from corner-cutting.
Our 5-Step Process
Free Site Inspection
We visit, listen and assess access, hazards and surrounding structures before quoting a single penny.
Written Diagnosis & Quote
You get a clear scope of works, fixed price and method statement — usually within 24 hours of the visit.
Scheduled Visit
We agree a date that suits you, confirm the day before and arrive on time with the right kit and crew.
Safe Execution
Risk assessments and permits handled. Roping, rigging and cutting carried out to NPTC and BS 3998 standards.
Clearance & Sign-Off
All arisings removed (or chipped/logged for you), site swept clean, photos sent and invoice issued.
Why Choose RJ Hutchinson
Right Species Selection
Native, formal, screening or wildlife — matched to your needs.
Quality Nursery Stock
Sourced from established UK growers.
Proper Site Prep
Soil improved, weed-cleared, mulched.
Correct Spacing
Density and offset right for the species and effect wanted.
Aftercare Guidance
Watering, weeding and first-year cutting plan.
Great Value vs Fencing
Cheaper over 10 years, better long-term.
Hedge Planting: The Full Detail
Species Choices
Native mixed (hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple, wild rose): best for wildlife, fastest growth, traditional rural look. From £15/m bare-root.
Beech and hornbeam: classic formal hedge with year-round leaf retention (russet brown in winter). Slower establishment but premium look. £25–£40/m.
Yew: highest impact formal hedge, very slow but dense, virtually permanent. £80–£150/m.
Privet: fast formal hedge, evergreen, easy to manage. £20–£35/m.
Laurel: fast evergreen screening, dense and glossy. £30–£50/m.
Bare-Root vs Container
Bare-root (lifted from the field, sold without soil): Nov–March planting only, much cheaper, excellent establishment when handled properly. Best value by far for native and beech/hornbeam.
Container-grown: any time of year, more expensive (2–3× bare-root), instant visual presence, slower root establishment. Best for instant impact or out-of-season planting.
Every job is covered by £5m Public Liability Insurance and carried out under method statements and risk assessments tailored to your site.
Hedge Planting — Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to plant?+
Bare-root: November–March. Container-grown: year-round.
How much does hedge planting cost?+
Native mixed bare-root: from £15/m. Beech/hornbeam: £25–£40/m. Yew: £80–£150/m.
How quickly does it become a hedge?+
Native: 3–4 years to functional hedge. Beech: 5–7 years. Yew: 10+ years.
How dense should I plant?+
Single row at 3–5/m for native; double row staggered for thicker / faster results.
Do you guarantee survival?+
Survival warranty available with aftercare contract.
Will you remove the old fence/hedge?+
Yes — combined service available.
What aftercare is needed?+
Weekly watering through first 2 summers; annual cutting from year 2.
Are you insured?+
Fully — £5m PL.
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Ready For a Free Quote on Hedge Planting?
Free site visit, fixed-price written quote, no pressure. Call directly or send a few details — most quotes back within 24 hours.