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The Difference Between Root Types

At best4hedging we provide a wide range of hedging plants in a choice of different root types. Each root type has its own benefits and it is important to match the correct root type to your particular planting needs. Below, you will find a helpful description of each, which will assist you in choosing the right plants for you.

Bare Root

Bare Root plants are a great option for achieving a new hedge whilst also being very cost-effective. Bare roots are generally deciduous so they can look quite bare when delivered in the dormant season, however, what you actually get is a good root system with a decent amount of stem and side shoots (depending on your chosen height). Evergreen bare roots like Yew, Cherry Laurel, Box, Privet and several other species look exactly the same as a pot grown plant but with no soil on the root. Bare roots are a lot cheaper for us to grow and dispatch, they do not require re-potting each year and we do not incur costs for the weight of the soil, as we do with other root types. Bare Roots are a viable choice when planting a long stretch of hedging or if you need taller plants at a lower cost than pots or root balls.

It must be mentioned that bare root plants do normally have a 10% failure rate (although it can be more for Beech and Purple Beech), however, the success rate can be vastly improved when planting with Rootgrow.

Bare roots are easy to handle but they need protecting from frost and should be planted quite quickly after delivery. They are available from autumn to early spring, depending on the weather and we have some species that can be cold stored to prolong the bare root season until late May. We stock a range of sizes, from 40cm to 2m, and they can be pre-ordered from mid-summer.

View our full range of bare root plants

Root Ball

Root Ball hedging plants are normally quite large and are delivered with a substantial ball of soil inside a biodegradable hessian bag. For the best success rate, root balls should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible and generously watered during their first year. Planting with Rootgrow is highly recommended.

Given their larger size and maturity, root balls are great for achieving a tall hedge quickly when growing time is at a premium.

Root balls are available from autumn to spring (with the exception of Box root balls which are available year-round) and can be pre-ordered from mid-summer.

View our full range of root ball plants.

Cell Grown, P9 & P7

Cell Grown hedging plants are a great intermediate step between bare roots and pot-grown plants. They are small plants with a fibrous root system and a great success rate. Unlike, bare roots and root balls, cell grown plants are suitable for planting into warm soils whilst the roots are active which aids in a rapid establishment.

Cell grown plants are available year-round and can be planted from March through to October. When planting in June, July or August, ensure the roots have been kept moist.

View our full range of cell grown plants.

Pot Grown

Our Pot Grown hedging plants are a great option. They are available year-round with a choice of evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous plants. They are easy to handle and have a high success rate.

Pot grown plants have a good fibrous root system, which has been protected by the pot, making it ready for planting. However, you do not need to rush to plant your pot-grown hedging plants. As long as you keep them well-watered, they can remain in their pots for a number of days/weeks whilst you prepare your planting area.

 

Most species are available as pot grown plants, from 1L-35L pots and 10cm-2.5m in height.

View our full range of pot grown plants.

Please watch our video on Different Root Types for more information.