Root Ball Hedging Plants

In the coldest months of the year the plant is dormant (sleeping). While the plant is dormant, tree specialists can lift plants safely from the ground without the risk of the plant going into shock. The plant is specially prepared by cutting out a round ball of soil surrounding the root of the plant. This ball of soil is then usually covered in hessian to give extra protection to the root ball. Once the weather warms up significantly in spring (generally end of March to April), the roots of plants will start growing again. Root balled plants need to either be planted in the ground by early spring or otherwise potted into containers.

What types of plants are available as root balls?
During autumn and winter, evergreen hedging is the most popular type of plant planted by gardeners and landscapers in root ball form.

The only difference to containerised plants is that root balled plants will be supplied without the pot and soil. This means that they should be planted into the ground as soon as possible– ideally within a few days of delivery. If there is extreme frost, then the root ball of the plant should be protected with horticultural fleece (or just use old blankets if you prefer) if it cannot be immediately planted. If the ground is solid with frost, then planting may need to be temporarily postponed until the soil has thawed. The plants will usually have a biodegradable hessian sack covering the soil of the root ball and on larger plants this will have wiring securing this in place. This hessian and wiring should NOT be removed when planting. This protective wrapping will decompose naturally over time. After planting it is recommended to mulch the beds –mulch or mix can be purchased in readymade bags. A good mulch comprises composted bark, leaf mould, manure and fenland soil). A mulch will increase the moisture levels in the soil and prevent drying out. 

Watering is essential. A leaky hose should be installed along the length of the new hedge to ensure watering is thorough right down beyond the top of the soil direct to the root ball. A timer will ideally be installed to come on in the early evenings. Watering may need to be avoided in extreme frost but once the soil thaws the ground should be watered. As soon as the weather warms up, then watering with the leaky hose for a couple of hours to soak through to the roots is recommended. Keep in mind that you can sometimes over-water a plant but drought is nearly always the reason a plant will fail. Regular checks of the hedge made a couple of times per week is the best way forward. Things to check for would be wilting of leaves or yellowing, both of which can be an indication that you may need to address the watering. It could mean the plant needs more or less watering – check the soil to decide). The first 18 months of planting are crucial to the establishment of the root system. Feeding with a liquid or granular feed during the growing months (April-Sept) is recommended at least four times a year.