Hedges are timeless garden features—acting as privacy screens, boundaries, windbreaks, or mere aesthetic accents. Yet, a thriving hedge doesn’t happen by chance. One of the most critical factors in hedge success is plant spacing.
Hedge Plant Spacing Calculator
Spacing impacts how fast the hedge fills out, how healthy the plants grow, and how attractive and manageable the hedge will be for years.
This comprehensive post discusses:
- The importance of correct plant spacing
- How to calculate the number of hedge plants needed
- Ideal spacings for low, medium, and tall hedges
- Spacing variations by hedge species and purpose
- Single vs. double-row hedges
- How plant size affects spacing
- Practical planting tips and maintenance considerations
- Detailed tables for quick reference and calculations
Why Proper Hedge Spacing Matters
Correct spacing influences:
1. Plant Health and Growth
- Too close: Plants compete for light, water, and nutrients, which can lead to weak and stressed growth, increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Too far: Gaps remain for longer periods, reducing the visual impact and protection offered by the hedge.
2. Air Circulation and Disease Management
Good spacing ensures air circulates through the hedge, reducing humidity that encourages fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot.
3. Establishment and Speed of Filling In
Closely spaced plants fill in quickly, creating a solid, unbroken hedge faster.
4. Maintenance Ease
Adequate spacing provides room to prune, fertilize, and apply treatments, improving hedge lifespan and appearance.
How to Calculate How Many Hedge Plants You Need
Before planting, calculate your hedge’s length and decide on your preferred spacing based on hedge height and type.
Step 1: Decide Hedge Height Category
| Hedge Height Type | Typical Final Height |
|---|---|
| Low hedge | Up to 0.5 meters (1.5 ft) |
| Medium hedge | 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.5 – 5 ft) |
| Tall hedge | Over 1.5 meters (>5 ft) |
Step 2: Choose Spacing for Hedge Height Category
| Hedge Type | Spacing Between Plants (cm) | Spacing Between Plants (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 20–30 cm | 8–12 in |
| Medium | 40–50 cm | 16–20 in |
| Tall | ~70 cm | ~28 in |
Step 3: Measure Total Hedge Length (in meters or feet)
Step 4: Convert Spacing to Same Units as Hedge Length
Example: 30 cm = 0.3 m
Step 5: Divide Hedge Length by Plant Spacing
Number of plants = (Hedge length) ÷ (Spacing)
Step 6: Add One Plant for the End
Because a hedge border needs a plant at both ends.
Example Calculation
Planting a low hedge of Berberis, 16 meters long, spacing plants 30 cm (0.3 m):160.3=53.30.316=53.3
Round to 53, then add 1 → total 54 plants needed.
Table 1: Spacing and Number of Plants per Hedge Length
| Hedge Length (m) | Spacing (cm) | Number of Plants Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 51 | Low hedge, dense planting |
| 10 | 40 | 26 | Medium hedge spacing |
| 10 | 70 | 15 | Tall hedge, wider spacing |
| 50 | 30 | 168 | Medium-length hedge |
| 50 | 50 | 101 | Larger spacing, slower fill |
Spacing by Hedge Type and Purpose
Different hedge species and uses require customized spacing. We list typical guidelines for popular varieties.
Formal Hedges
Closely spaced for dense, neat appearance, often clipped regularly.
| Hedge Plant | Small Size Plants Spacing | Medium Size Plants Spacing | Large Plants Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxwood (Buxus) | 15–20 cm (6–8 in) | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Privet (Ligustrum) | 30 cm (12 in) | 40–45 cm (16–18 in) | 45–60 cm (18–24 in) |
| Yew (Taxus) | 45 cm (18 in) | 60–75 cm (24–30 in) | 75–90 cm (30–36 in) |
| Hornbeam (Carpinus) | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) | 45–60 cm (18–24 in) | 60–75 cm (24–30 in) |
| Beech (Fagus) | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) | 45–60 cm (18–24 in) | 60–75 cm (24–30 in) |
(Source: HedgeCutting Staffordshire)
Screen and Wildlife Hedges
These may be planted wider apart to allow natural growth and encourage biodiversity.
| Hedge Type | Spacing (cm) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Native hedgerow trees | 60–150 | Wildlife habitat, windbreaks |
| Fast-growing shrubs | 40–60 | Quick privacy screens |
| Mixed species hedge | Variable | Diversity, seasonal interest |
Single-Row vs. Double-Row Hedges
Single-Row Hedge
- Easier and cheaper to plant
- Requires closer spacing to avoid gaps
- Suitable for small gardens or boundaries with limited space
Double-Row Hedge
- Plants arranged in staggered rows (often triangular pattern)
- Allows wider plant spacing in each row with no gaps
- Denser growth, better wildlife habitat and wind protection
- Preferred for agricultural windbreaks and country hedges
Table 2: Spacing and Plant Density Comparison
| Planting Method | Spacing in Row (cm) | Row Spacing (cm) | Plants per Meter of Hedge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Row | 33 | N/A | 3 | Standard garden hedge |
| Double Row | 50 | 50–60 | 6 (3 per row) | Livestock-proof hedge |
Plant Size and Spacing
At purchase, hedge plants vary in size from small plugs to large container-grown shrubs or trees. Larger plants need wider spacing because:
- They establish faster and grow wider and taller
- Crowding mature plants leads to pruning challenges and poor airflow
- Larger young plants are more costly and thus spaced farther apart for economic reasons
Table 3: Spacing by Initial Plant Size and Hedge Height
| Plant Size | Intended Hedge Height | Recommended Spacing (cm) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small plugs | Low (0.5 m) | 20–30 | Closer planting, slower fill |
| Medium container | Medium (1–1.5 m) | 40–50 | Balanced growth and fill |
| Large bushes/trees | Tall (>1.5 m) | 60–70+ | Full mature size, long-term hedging |
Planting Layout and Spacing Patterns
Linear/spaced rows
Common in formal and urban hedges, allows easy access for maintenance.
Staggered/Triangular pattern
Plants offset between rows to maximize coverage and density with fewer gaps.
Table 4: Layout Examples with Number of Plants per 10 Meters
| Layout Type | Spacing (cm) | Plants per 10 M (single row) | Plants per 10 M (double row) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | 30 | 33 | N/A | Simple hedges, small gardens |
| Staggered | 50 × 50 | 20 | 40 | Dense hedge, wildlife, windbreak |
Maintenance and Growth Considerations
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and health
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
- Water young plants adequately, especially in dense plantings
- Watch for crowding signs such as reduced vigor or disease and thin if needed
Common Issues from Improper Spacing
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gaps and uneven growth | Plants spaced too far apart | Add infill plants in gaps |
| Weak, spindly plants | Plants crowded, competing for resources | Increase spacing or thin plants |
| Disease outbreak | Poor airflow from tight crowding | Increase row and in-row spacing |
| Excessive pruning needed | Overcrowding of mature plants | Plan wider spacing at planting |
Summary Table: Hedge Plant Spacing Quick Reference
| Hedge Height | Recommended In-Row Spacing (cm) | Row Spacing (cm) | Plants per Meter (Single Row) | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (<0.5 m) | 20–30 | N/A | 3–5 | Decorative edges, borders |
| Medium (0.5-1.5 m) | 40–50 | N/A | 2–3 | Privacy, garden delineation |
| Tall (>1.5 m) | 60–70+ | N/A or double row | 1.5–2 | Screening, security, windbreak |
Final Thoughts
Correct hedge plant spacing is foundational to healthy, attractive, and functional hedges. Whether planting a compact box border or a tall privacy screen, following spacing guidelines tailored to hedge type, plant size, and purpose ensures you get a beautiful, dense hedge that fills in quickly without overcrowding.
Plan carefully, measure accurately, and choose your plants and spacing based on expected mature sizes and growth habits. Remember that planting too close causes problems, but spacing too wide leads to patchiness and slow establishment.