Formula used
Single row: Plants = floor(usable length ÷ spacing) + 1.
Multiple rows: Total plants = plants per row × rows.
Purchase quantity: Base plants + allowance, rounded to bundle size.
How to use the calculator
Add every hedge section and subtract gates or openings. Choose a layout, spacing, and plant mix. Then enter costs, materials, water, and growth assumptions.
- Select units, layout, density, and calculation mode.
- Enter each hedge section and excluded opening.
- Choose plant spacing and row arrangement.
- Add one or more species totalling 100%.
- Complete optional cost and material fields.
- Calculate, review, copy, print, or export results.
Spacing and planting guidance
Closer spacing creates faster visual coverage. Wider spacing reduces cost and future competition. Mature width should guide the final planting distance.
| Planting style | Typical spacing approach | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Formal single row | Close and consistent | Neat garden boundaries |
| Staggered double row | Moderate spacing with offsets | Dense screening and wildlife |
| Open informal row | Near mature plant width | Lower cost and natural form |
| Mixed native hedge | Species-based repeating pattern | Biodiversity and seasonal interest |
Example data
| Example | Length | Rows | Spacing | Openings | Allowance | Estimated plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small formal hedge | 10 m | 1 | 0.40 m | 0 m | 10% | 30 |
| Staggered screen | 20 m | 2 | 0.50 m | 0 m | 10% | 95 |
| Boundary with gate | 18 m | 1 | 0.45 m | 1.2 m | 10% | 45 |
| Mixed native hedge | 30 m | 2 | 0.60 m | 2 m | 15% | 115 |
| Budget-based plan | Variable | 1 | 0.50 m | 0 m | 10% | Budget dependent |
Bare-root and container plant comparison
| Supply type | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-root | Lower cost and efficient bulk planting | Seasonal availability and prompt planting required |
| Cell-grown | Good establishment and longer planting window | Smaller initial visual impact |
| Container | Flexible planting and immediate structure | Higher purchase and transport costs |
| Instant hedge | Immediate screening and uniform appearance | Highest cost and heavier installation |
Seasonal planting recommendation
Autumn often supports strong root establishment. Winter suits dormant bare-root hedging in suitable soil. Summer planting needs careful watering and heat protection.
Frequently asked questions
1. How many hedge plants do I need?
Measure usable length and divide by spacing. Add endpoint plants when required. Include spare plants for failures and replacements.
2. Is double-row planting always better?
Double rows create greater density. They need more plants and wider beds. Single rows suit many formal garden hedges.
3. What is staggered planting?
Plants in the second row sit between first-row plants. This closes visible gaps faster. It also improves wildlife shelter and depth.
4. Should plants sit at both ends?
Endpoint planting gives complete section coverage. Some layouts avoid end plants near structures. The calculator supports either counting approach.
5. How much extra should I order?
Five to ten percent suits many projects. Difficult sites may need a larger allowance. Supplier bundle sizes can increase final quantities.
6. Can I mix hedge species?
Yes, enter each species and percentage. Ensure all percentages total exactly 100%. Mixed hedges improve resilience and seasonal interest.
7. How accurate are growth estimates?
They are approximate planning estimates. Soil, climate, pruning, and care affect growth. Local performance can differ substantially between gardens.
8. Does the calculator include gates?
Yes, openings reduce usable planting length. Add each gate to its matching section. Setbacks can exclude additional unplanted distances.
9. How are soil bags calculated?
Volumes convert from cubic metres into litres. The selected bag size determines whole bags. Results always round upward for purchasing.
10. Can I calculate from a budget?
Choose the budget calculation mode. Enter fixed and per-plant project costs. The result estimates affordable plants and length.
11. Is this suitable for commercial projects?
It supports sections, species, materials, labour, and exports. Large projects still require professional site assessment. Verify local standards before ordering materials.