Order Bare Root Hedging Now for Winter Planting in Northern Ireland

Bare root hedging is ideal for Northern Ireland gardens. Between November and March, conditions are perfect for planting hedges and trees that establish fast and grow strong. Whether you’re creating a garden boundary, screening off a property, or landscaping a new site, bare root plants offer the best value for money and excellent long-term results.

As Northern Ireland’s premier bare root specialists since 1999, Woodcroft Landscapes supplies and plants thousands of bare root plants and trees each season. Our 5-acre Belfast nursery stocks the widest selection of hedging and native species suited to Irish growing conditions. We grow, supply, and professionally plant throughout Belfast and surrounding areas, trusted by homeowners, landscapers, and developers alike.

Why Choose Bare Root Plants?

Bare root plants offer unbeatable value for Northern Ireland gardens. Available November through March while plants are dormant, they provide:

Best value: 30–50% cheaper than container plants
Quick establishment: Direct root-to-soil contact promotes strong early growth
Larger sizes available: Mature hedging up to 3m height
Professional planting included: We supply and plant
95% success rate: When professionally planted

Popular Hedging Varieties

Native Hedging for Wildlife

Our native bare root plants create beautiful boundaries while supporting biodiversity and local wildlife:

Hawthorn (Crataegus) – Traditional field hedging, white flowers
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) – Early spring blossom, sloe berries
Hazel (Corylus) – Catkins and nuts for wildlife
Holly (Ilex) – Evergreen with winter berries
Mixed Native Hedging – Pre-mixed packs for instant diversity

Formal Garden Hedging

Beech (Fagus) – Copper winter foliage, excellent screening
Hornbeam (Carpinus) – Similar to beech, tolerates wetter soil
Yew (Taxus) – Classic evergreen, slow-growing
Privet (Ligustrum) – Fast-growing, semi-evergreen

Evergreen & Rootball Screening

Year-round privacy and colour with our evergreen and rootball range:

Laurel – Fast-growing, glossy leaves
Griselinia – Coastal tolerant, bright green foliage
Rootball Conifers – Instant height up to 6m

Trees & Transplants

Native trees: Oak, Birch, Rowan, Alder, Ash
Ornamental trees: Cherry, Maple, Mountain Ash
Fruit trees: Apple, Pear, Plum (heritage varieties)
Transplants: 40–60cm for woodland planting or shelterbelts

When to Plant in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s mild climate provides an extended planting season for hedging and trees:

November–December: Ideal — soil still warm and workable
January–February: Excellent for bulk planting, avoid frozen ground
March: Last chance before bud break

Professional Planting Service

Unlike online retailers, we don’t just deliver — we supply and plant. Our ALCI award-winning team ensures every hedge and tree is planted for long-term success:

Correct planting depth and spacing
Proper soil preparation and backfilling
Professional staking and support
Aftercare guidance and maintenance advice
Written establishment guarantee

Common Questions About Bare Root Hedging

Is bare root better than potted?

Bare root plants are often better for value, sustainability, and faster establishment, while potted plants are better for year-round availability, convenience, and immediate visual appeal. Bare root plants are cheaper and more eco-friendly but must be planted during their dormant season (typically late autumn to spring). Potted plants can be planted anytime and often arrive in leaf or bloom for instant impact.

Bare Root – Pros

Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper, especially for large quantities like hedging.
Sustainable: Lighter to transport, reducing carbon emissions. Delivered without soil or plastic pots.
Faster establishment: Grown in open ground, roots are naturally denser and adapt quickly once planted.
Wider selection: Nurseries can grow and store more varieties in fields than in containers.

Bare Root – Cons

Limited planting window: Must be planted during the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Sensitive to drying out: Roots can be damaged if exposed to wind or sun before planting.

Potted – Pros

Plant anytime: Can be planted year-round, ideal when projects can’t wait for the dormant season.
Convenient: Easy to handle, transport, and plant without urgency.
Instant appeal: Usually in full leaf or bloom, offering immediate colour and impact.

Potted – Cons

More expensive: Pots, soil, and handling increase the cost.
Greater watering needs: Require consistent watering until fully established.
Limited selection: Nurseries have less space for container-growing every variety.

Do I soak bare root plants before planting?

Yes — you should soak bare root plants before planting to rehydrate them and promote healthy root growth. Soak the roots in a bucket of tepid water for about 30–60 minutes before planting.

Before Planting

Soak the roots: Place roots in a bucket of water for 30–60 minutes. For fruit trees or larger plants, you can soak for several hours if necessary.
Trim damaged roots: Use clean secateurs to remove any broken or dead roots.
Add mycorrhizal fungi (optional): Dust the wet roots with fungi powder to boost resilience and root growth.

While Planting

Dig a wide hole: Large enough for roots to spread naturally without bending.
Plant at the correct depth: The soil mark (or “tide mark”) on the stem should be level with the soil surface.
Backfill and water: Replace soil around the roots, firm gently, and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.

What should I do when bare root plants arrive?

When bare root plants arrive, soak the roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. If you can’t plant right away, protect the roots by storing them correctly or heeling them in until conditions allow.

Immediate Actions Upon Arrival

Soak the roots: Immerse the entire root system in water for one to two hours.
Inspect and trim: Remove any broken or damaged roots with a clean cut to encourage new growth.
Store if needed: Keep plants in a cool, dark, frost-free place (shed or garage) for up to 10–14 days.
Heel them in: For short-term storage, dig a shallow trench and bury the roots in moist soil to prevent drying.

Planting the Bare Roots

Prepare the site: Dig a hole wider and slightly deeper than the root system.
Position the plant: Spread roots naturally, ensuring the soil mark sits at ground level.
Backfill and firm: Replace soil, gently shake to settle, and lightly compact to remove air gaps.
Water well: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

How long does it take to grow bare root plants?

It varies by species and conditions, but most bare root plants begin showing foliage and growth in the first year and reach maturity within 2–3 years. Consistent watering and good soil preparation make a big difference.

First Year

Foliage and modest blooms: Expect new leaves and some flowers, though displays may be limited.
Establishment: Focus is on building a strong root system.
Signs of life: Shoots appear between April and May depending on planting time and weather.

Subsequent Years

Increased impact: Growth becomes more vigorous with denser foliage and flowers.
Maturity: Most species reach full size and maturity after two to three years.
Tree staking: Larger trees may need staking for up to two years until fully anchored.

Tips for Encouraging Growth

Plant during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
Water weekly for the first eight weeks after planting, especially in dry spells.
Apply mycorrhizal fungi at planting time to enhance root establishment.
Mix well-rotted compost into the planting area for improved soil structure.

For additional guidance, visit the RHS Hedge Planting Guide.

Order Bare Root Hedging Today

Don’t wait — our best stock sells quickly. Whether you need 25 plants or 10,000, we provide competitive quotes across Northern Ireland.

📞 Call: 07973 781107
📧 Email: info@woodcroftlandscapes.co.uk
📍 Visit: Our Belfast nursery to view current stock

Remember: We supply and plant — no other Northern Ireland nursery offers our complete service.

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