Drip irrigation systems are the most efficient way to water new planted trees and hedges

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban 31 July 2026/in Advice, News /by Marketing

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban

Hot, dry summers are becoming increasingly common across the UK, bringing hosepipe bans and raising an important question for gardeners.

Last updated: July 2026

Can you water newly planted trees and hedges during a hosepipe ban?

Most water company’s allow managed watering methods such as automated drip irrigation, but please check with your local water company’s restrictions. Whatever the rules, the key to successful establishment isn’t using more water, it’s using water efficiently and directing it where plants need it most.

With the right planting methods and sensible watering practices, newly planted trees and hedges can establish successfully, even during prolonged periods of dry weather.

Why We Recommend Drip Irrigation

Where possible, we recommend an automated drip irrigation system as one of the most efficient ways to water newly planted trees and hedges.

Unlike sprinklers, drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and ensuring moisture reaches the plant rather than the surrounding soil. Water is absorbed gradually, encouraging roots to grow deeper and helping plants become more resilient.

For longer hedges, specimen trees and larger planting schemes, drip irrigation provides consistent moisture while making the best use of every litre of water.

Always check the latest guidance from your local water supplier before using any irrigation system, as restrictions vary between water companies.

What Is a Hosepipe Ban?

A hosepipe ban, officially known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), is introduced by water companies to protect water supplies during periods of exceptionally dry weather.

The restrictions are not identical across the UK. Some activities may be prohibited by one supplier but permitted by another, so it is always worth checking the latest advice for your area.

While restrictions may affect how you water your garden, they do not change the fact that newly planted trees and hedges need careful attention during their first growing seasons.

Why Newly Planted Trees and Hedges Need Water

Whether you’ve planted an instant hedge, a screening tree or a specimen tree, the first two growing seasons are the most important for successful establishment.

Until roots spread into the surrounding soil, plants rely on the moisture available within and immediately around the original rootball. During prolonged dry weather, allowing this area to dry out can slow establishment and place unnecessary stress on the plant.

Deep, occasional watering is generally more effective than frequent light watering, encouraging roots to grow downwards in search of moisture and producing stronger, healthier plants in the long term.

Why Practical Instant Hedge™ Performs So Well

Successful summer planting isn’t simply about watering, it starts with the quality of the root system.

Practical Instant Hedge™ is grown in one-metre troughs at our Buckinghamshire nursery, allowing each section to develop a dense, fibrous root system before it leaves us. Because the entire rootball remains intact during planting, transplant stress is minimised and the hedge establishes quickly when planted correctly.

Unlike bare root hedging, which can only be planted during the dormant season, Practical Instant Hedge™ can be planted throughout the year, making it an excellent choice when an instant screen or mature boundary is needed without waiting for winter.

Combined with good soil preparation and sensible watering, it gives plants the best possible start while making efficient use of available water during dry weather.

Five Ways to Water More Efficiently

If you are watering manually, a few simple techniques will make every drop count:

Water deeply rather than little and often. This encourages deeper root growth and improves drought resilience.
Water early in the morning or later in the evening. Cooler temperatures reduce evaporation.
Direct water to the base of the plant. Wetting the leaves does little to benefit the roots.
Apply organic mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keeps the soil cooler.
Prioritise newly planted trees and hedges. Established plants are generally much better able to tolerate dry conditions.

These simple measures often have a greater impact than simply using more water.

Trees and Hedges Have Different Watering Needs

Although the principles are the same, trees and hedges establish slightly differently.

Newly planted specimen trees and larger screening trees have a greater leaf area, meaning they can lose more moisture during hot weather and often benefit from careful monitoring during prolonged dry periods.

Evergreen hedges, meanwhile, continue to lose moisture through their leaves throughout the year and appreciate consistent watering while they establish.

Whichever you choose, good soil preparation and careful watering during the first two growing seasons will lay the foundations for healthy, resilient plants.

Professional Planting Makes a Difference

Correct planting is every bit as important as careful watering.

Preparing the planting area properly, improving the soil where necessary and planting at the correct depth all help trees and hedges establish more quickly and make better use of available moisture.

Many of our customers choose our professional planting service, particularly for larger hedges and specimen trees, giving them confidence that their investment has been planted correctly from the outset.

Looking Ahead

As the UK’s climate continues to change, periods of hot, dry weather are becoming more common. Choosing high-quality nursery-grown plants, preparing the soil properly and watering efficiently will all help create healthier, more resilient gardens.

At Practicality Brown, we’ve spent decades growing and planting premium trees and hedges for gardens, landscapes and commercial projects across the UK. Whether you’re creating an instant screen, replacing a boundary hedge or selecting specimen trees, our experienced team is always happy to offer practical advice.

Planning a Garden Project?

If you’re planning a new hedge or tree planting project, we can help you choose the right plants for your site and advise on planting, watering and establishment.

Browse our range of hedges and trees, or contact our team to discuss your project.

You may also find our previous guide to Irrigation and Hosepipe Bans helpful if you’re looking for more information on irrigation systems and previous restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I water newly planted trees during a hosepipe ban?

The rules vary between water companies, so always check the latest guidance from your local supplier. Whatever the restrictions, newly planted trees should be watered responsibly while they establish, using the most efficient method permitted. We recommend automated drip irrigation.

Is drip irrigation better than using a sprinkler?

Yes. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, where it is needed most, while reducing evaporation and unnecessary runoff. It is one of the most water-efficient ways to establish newly planted trees and hedges.

How often should I water a newly planted hedge?

This depends on the weather, soil type and the size of the hedge. During warm, dry weather, it is generally better to water thoroughly when the soil begins to dry rather than applying small amounts every day. We recommend automated drip irrigation for our Practical Instant Hedge™.

Do established hedges need watering?

Most established hedges are surprisingly resilient. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather may mean they benefit from occasional deep watering, particularly if they are growing in light, free-draining soils.

Are some trees better suited to hot, dry summers?

Yes. While all newly planted trees need watering until established, some species are naturally more tolerant of dry conditions once mature.

For inspiration, read our guide to the best shade trees for UK gardens, which includes species that provide welcome cooling shade and are well suited to increasingly warm summers.

Can Practicality Brown plant my hedge for me?

Yes. We offer a professional planting service for many of our hedging and tree products, helping ensure they establish successfully from day one.

Image Credit: Drip System Stock photos by Vecteezy

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens 16 July 2026/in News, Semi mature trees /by Marketing

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens: How to Cool Your Space This Summer

Discover the best shade trees for UK gardens and learn how the right semi-mature tree can create cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces. From compact ornamental trees for small gardens to larger canopy trees for expansive landscapes, our expert guide will help you choose the perfect tree for natural shade.

How to Create Cooler Outdoor Spaces with Trees for Natural Shade

As UK summers become warmer and periods of extreme heat become more frequent, gardens are having to work harder than ever before. Outdoor spaces are no longer simply somewhere to admire from the house – they’ve become places to relax, entertain, work and spend time with family and friends. Creating natural shade is now an important consideration in garden design, helping outdoor spaces remain comfortable and enjoyable throughout the summer months.

Yet as temperatures rise, many gardens become uncomfortable during the hottest parts of the day. South-facing patios can become too hot to enjoy, lawns dry out more quickly, and plants can struggle under prolonged periods of intense sunshine.

Fortunately, nature has already provided one of the most effective solutions: trees.

The right tree does much more than cast shade. It cools the surrounding air, creates comfortable outdoor living spaces, supports wildlife, improves air quality and brings year-round beauty to the landscape. Whether you have a compact courtyard garden or a generous family plot, choosing the right tree can transform how your garden feels and functions.

Why Trees Are the Best Way to Cool a Garden

Unlike pergolas, parasols or shade sails, trees don’t simply block sunlight – they actively cool the environment.

Their leafy canopies intercept solar radiation before it reaches the ground, while thousands of leaves release moisture into the air through a natural process known as evapotranspiration.¹ This process reduces surrounding air temperatures, creating noticeably cooler spaces beneath and around the canopy.

Research from the World Resources Institute suggests that strategically planted trees can reduce surface temperatures and make outdoor spaces feel significantly cooler, with differences of up to 14°C recorded in some urban environments.²

Studies published by the Arboriculture & Urban Forestry journal also highlight that the greatest cooling benefits come from selecting appropriate tree species with healthy, well-developed canopies, while the combined effects of shade and evapotranspiration significantly reduce ambient temperatures.³

In practical terms, that means:

Cooler patios and terraces
More comfortable outdoor dining areas
Reduced heat reflected from paving
Better moisture retention in borders and lawns
Less stress on surrounding planting
Improved habitat for birds, bees and beneficial insects

Trees also provide nesting sites, shelter and seasonal food sources, making them one of the most valuable additions to any wildlife-friendly garden. As our climate continues to change, shade trees are becoming an increasingly important part of resilient garden design.

Choosing the Right Shade Tree

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a huge tree to create meaningful shade.

In reality, many smaller ornamental trees produce beautiful, dappled shade that’s ideal for patios and seating areas, while medium-sized trees can comfortably cool an entire family garden without overwhelming the space.

The key is selecting a species that suits both your available space and your long-term aspirations. It’s equally important to consider the tree’s eventual height and spread, ensuring it has sufficient room to mature while providing shade exactly where it’s needed.

Best Shade Trees for Small Gardens

Smaller gardens often benefit from trees that create filtered or dappled shade rather than dense cover. This allows plenty of natural light to reach surrounding planting while making seating areas far more comfortable during summer.

Malus ‘Evereste’

This ornamental crab apple offers spring blossom, colourful fruit and excellent seasonal interest. Its compact canopy creates gentle shade that’s perfect for outdoor dining areas while also providing an important food source for pollinating insects and birds. Mature height: 3-7m

Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet)

A compact evergreen tree with attractive small scented white flowers that appear from mid-summer to early autumn, followed by small round black berries. A pretty tree suitable for many gardens. Mature Height: 3-7m

Ilex aquifolium ‘Nellie R Stevens’

This is an attractive evergreen holly with lustrous, glossy green foliage. Its bright red berries provide valuable food for birds through autumn and winter, while its dense evergreen canopy offers year-round screening and welcome shade, making it an excellent choice where privacy is just as important as cooling. Mature Height: 3-5m

Looking for something a little more architectural? Multi-stem trees are an excellent choice for adding character as well as shade. Available in species such as Photinia Red Robin and Osmanthus aquifolium, they create an immediate architectural focal point with their sculptural branching. Their naturally airy canopies provide soft, dappled shade, making them particularly well suited to smaller gardens, courtyards and contemporary landscape schemes.

Best Shade Trees for Medium Gardens

Where a little more space is available, medium-sized trees can create generous areas of cooling shade while becoming striking focal points within the landscape.

Birch Trees (Betula)

Birch trees are an excellent choice where light, dappled shade is preferred. Their elegant forms allow filtered sunlight to reach the ground while creating cooler, more comfortable seating areas.

Betula pendula (Silver Birch) has branches that are flexible, with a tendancy to weep or droop. The bark starts white but, as the tree matures it develops attractive dark, deep fissures. Mature Height: 20m

Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ (West Himalayan Birch) has more upright branches and distinctive thin, white bark that peels easily. Mature Height: 18m

Sorbus aucuparia Sheerwater Seedling’ (Rowan/Mountain Ash)

This urban-friendly Mountain Ash offers delicate, airy foliage that filters sunlight beautifully. Clusters of white flowers are followed by vibrant berries, attracting birds throughout autumn while providing light shade that works particularly well in wildlife-friendly gardens. Mature Height: 7-12m

Prunus cerasifera Nigra

A deciduous ornamental purple cherry plum tree that is one of the first trees to blossom in the UK. The profuse pink flowers remain on the tree whilst the dark foliage begins to emerge, gradually fading to white and contrasting fantastically with the small blackish-purple leaves. Mature height: 10m

Shade Trees for Larger Gardens

If space allows, larger canopy trees become defining features of the landscape.

Species such as English Oak (Quercus robur), London Plane (Platanus × hispanica) and Common Lime (Tilia × europaea) provide extensive shade while becoming part of the garden’s long-term legacy.

Although these trees require careful positioning, they reward patience by creating magnificent outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for generations.

Where Should You Plant a Shade Tree?

Careful positioning is just as important as choosing the right species.

Think about how you use your garden during the summer. Is there a patio that becomes unbearably hot by late afternoon? A children’s play area with little natural shelter? A seating area that’s only comfortable during the evening?

Planting a tree to provide afternoon shade can dramatically improve comfort without blocking valuable morning sunlight.

It’s also important to consider the tree’s mature size, root spread and proximity to buildings, allowing sufficient space for healthy growth over many years.

More Than Just Shade

While cooling is often the initial motivation, trees deliver a remarkable range of additional benefits.

Healthy trees help capture airborne pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce surface water runoff during heavy rainfall and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.

Many flowering species also support pollinators, while berries and seeds provide food for birds throughout the year.

Even in winter, deciduous trees continue to earn their place by allowing lower-angle sunlight to reach the garden after leaves have fallen – something permanent shade structures cannot offer.

Trees and Climate Resilience

Across the UK, trees are playing an increasingly important role in helping landscapes adapt to climate change.

Local authorities are expanding urban tree planting programmes to reduce heat build-up in towns and cities, while homeowners are recognising the importance of designing gardens that remain enjoyable despite rising temperatures.

Even the sporting world has embraced the benefits of shade trees. Recent discussions surrounding tree planting at cricket grounds have highlighted how species such as willow can improve spectator comfort, enhance biodiversity and help create cooler outdoor environments.

It’s another reminder that trees aren’t simply decorative, they’re part of the infrastructure that helps make places healthier, more comfortable and more resilient.

Why Choose a Semi-Mature Tree?

One of the greatest advantages of planting semi-mature trees is that many of the benefits begin immediately. Rather than waiting years for a sapling to establish, semi-mature specimens provide instant structure, a sense of maturity and meaningful shade far sooner.

For homeowners, this means creating comfortable outdoor spaces from the outset. For landscape architects and developers, it enables newly completed projects to feel established and welcoming from day one.

At Practicality Brown, all our semi-mature trees are Plant Healthy certified, ensuring they are top quality and therefore likely to establish successfully while delivering immediate visual impact.

Best Shade Trees for All Sizes of Gardens

Garden size	Recommended trees
Small	Malus ‘Evereste’, Ligustrum japonicum, Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, Multi-stem Osmanthus aquifolium
Medium	Birch, Mountain Ash, Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’
Large	Oak, London Plane, Lime

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shade tree for a small UK garden?

For compact gardens, ornamental trees such as Malus ‘Evereste’, Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and carefully selected multi-stem specimens provide attractive shade without overwhelming the space. The best choice depends on the size, style and aspect of your garden.

Which tree provides the fastest shade?

Semi-mature trees offer immediate impact regardless of species. Fast-growing varieties such as Lime and Plane establish well and quickly develop larger canopies when planted in suitable conditions.

Can trees really make a garden cooler?

Yes. Trees reduce temperatures by blocking direct sunlight and through evapotranspiration, where water released from leaves cools the surrounding air. Together, these natural processes can significantly improve comfort during hot weather.

Should I choose a deciduous or evergreen tree?

For most gardens, deciduous trees are ideal because they provide welcome shade during summer while allowing sunlight to reach the garden in winter once their leaves have fallen. Evergreens have the benefit of offering year round screening.

How close can I plant a tree to my house?

The appropriate distance depends on the species, mature size and local ground conditions. Seeking professional advice before planting ensures the tree has sufficient room to develop while protecting nearby structures.

Finding the Right Tree for Your Garden

Every garden is unique, and the best shade tree is one that complements both the available space and the way you enjoy your outdoor environment.

Whether you’re looking for an ornamental tree to cast gentle shade across a patio or a larger specimen to anchor a family garden, choosing a high-quality semi-mature tree allows you to enjoy the benefits much sooner.

At Practicality Brown, we grow and supply one of the UK’s largest selections of semi-mature trees, with species suited to gardens of every size. Our experienced team can help you select the right tree for your site, ensuring it provides decades of beauty, biodiversity and welcome shade.

Browse our current Tree Availability List to explore our latest stock or contact our team for expert guidance on choosing the perfect shade tree for your next project.

Whether you’re creating a shady retreat in a compact town garden or designing a landscape for future generations, the right tree will reward you every summer for decades to come.

Sources

Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre. Plants and Water. During evapotranspiration, the Sun’s energy is used to transfer water from the leaves of plants into the atmosphere. Available at https://leaf.leeds.ac.uk/research/plants-and-water/
World Resources Institute (2025). Urban Trees Have a Cooling Effect. New Research Shows Where They Matter Most. Available at: https://www.wri.org/insights/urban-trees-cooling-potential
Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (International Society of Arboriculture). Rahman, M.A. et al. Tree Cooling Effects and Human Thermal Comfort in Urban Areas: A Review of the Biophysical Processes. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, Vol. 39, No. 4. Available at: https://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/39/4/157

In Stock: 1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ 4 June 2026/in Instant Hedge, News /by Marketing

Instant Privacy with Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™

Creating privacy in a garden shouldn’t mean waiting years for a hedge to establish. With our Practical Instant Hedge™ Portuguese Laurel, you can enjoy a mature evergreen screen from the day it’s planted.

We currently have 800 metres of 1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ available for immediate delivery, making it an ideal solution for homeowners, landscapers, garden designers and developers looking for instant impact.

Why Choose Portuguese Laurel?

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’) is one of the most elegant evergreen hedging plants available. Its glossy dark green leaves and rich burgundy stems create a refined appearance that works equally well in traditional and contemporary gardens. It offers a more sophisticated look while still providing excellent year-round screening and privacy.

Instant Results

Traditional hedging can take several years to create an effective screen. Practical Instant Hedge™ is different.

Each hedge section is pre-grown and supplied as a mature, ready-formed hedge, creating an immediate boundary and privacy screen as soon as it is planted.

Whether you’re screening neighbouring properties, creating structure in a new garden, or completing a landscaping project, Practical Instant Hedge™ delivers a finished look from day one.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Gardens

Portuguese Laurel thrives in both sun and partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardens throughout the UK.

Its dense evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and screening, while regular trimming can maintain a neat formal appearance.

Available for Immediate Delivery

With 800 metres currently available at 1.8m high, this is an excellent opportunity for both private gardens and larger landscaping projects.

If you’re looking for instant privacy, mature evergreen screening and immediate visual impact, our Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ is ready to transform your space.

Contact our team today to discuss your project and reserve your quantity.

Osmanthus Instant Hedge 2 October 2023/by Marketing

Our Practical Instant Hedge™ range now includes the attractive evergreen Osmanthus burkwoodii.

Burkwood osmanthus is a dense, slow-growing, evergreen. The glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves beautifully offset by highly scented, jasmine like, white flowers in mid and late spring. If pruned after flowering, it will increase the blooms for the following year.

Osmanthus instant hedge thrives on free draining soils but may lose leaves in the severest of winters, so it is best grown in a sunny aspect with protection against biting winter winds.

Osmanthus burkwoodii has RHS Award of Garden Merit and is an attractive evergreen with seasonal interest that will prove popular as an instant hedge.

We have this available at 80cm to 100cm high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Osmanthus Instant Hedge growing on our nursery ideal hedge for small gardens.

Osmanthus burkwoodii Instant Hedge, closeup of flower and foliage

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Burkwood osmanthus	Osmanthus burkwoodii	Evergreen	Regularly in Summer	Average 20-40cm	Sun to partial shade	All well drained	Any	Dark green oval

Blue Holly Instant Hedge 2 October 2023/by Marketing

Blue Holly Instant Hedge

Our Practical Instant Hedge range now includes the evergreen Ilex meserveae, also known as Blue Holly.

Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince has dense, lustrous, blue-green, spiny leaves from purple stems and tiny, white flowers are produced in spring. These cultivars are some of the best blue hollies available. Our Practical Instant Hedge™ has a mix of Blue Maid and Blue Prince to ensure the delightful profusion of bright red berries in autumn and winter. Late summer pruning will reveal dark purplish-green stems, which add to the ornamental effect.

Plant it in full or partial sun in moist, well-drained soil; it can be easily pruned.

We have this available at 1.4 – 1.6m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

We also have English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) available as an instant hedge.

Practical Instant Hedge Ilex meserveae growing in hedge bags

Blue Holly Growing in hedge bag at our Iver nursery

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Blue Holly	Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince	Evergreen	Once in August	Slow 20-30cm	Sun to shade	All well drained	Acidic to alkaline	Blue green spiny

Instant Hedge 6 January 2022/by Technique Web

We Are The Instant Hedge Specialists

Practicality Brown have specialised in instant hedges for over 20 years, providing immediate impact and maturity to many private gardens and landscaping projects.

Our instant hedging is pre-grown and sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants. They are offered on a supply and deliver or a supply, deliver and plant basis. These mature hedges are available all year round and are between 0.8m and 1.8 to 2m high. Using our experience we have developed our own range of Practical Instant Hedge™ in hedge bags, UK grown by us in Buckinghamshire.

You are most welcome to visit our nursery to view the stock and select your own hedge. Simply contact our sales team to make an appointment, and one of our experts will show you around the nursery.

1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™

Please see our Practical Instant Hedge™ page for details of this high end, easy to plant, Instant Hedge.

For more information please see our Hedge Ideas page or contact us by completing an enquiry form or call us on 01753 652022 to discuss your requirements. Our sales team will then be able to provide a bespoke quotation based on the best instant hedge options for your specific garden project.

Order Online

For delivery only orders, you can browse the online shop – just click on the name of the hedge you are interested in under the hedge pictures below.

We also have hedges taller than 2m high available – click on the following link for details – screening trees and high hedge.

Instant Hedge Varieties

We have over fifteen thousand metres of instant hedge in production, both evergreen and deciduous, the species and heights available are listed below. The availability can change on a weekly basis and therefore we welcome specific enquiries, based on the approximate linear metres required and the time of planting.

Evergreen Instant Hedging

Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis)

Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)

Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’)

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’)

Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae)

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’)

Osmanthus Instant Hedge Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus burkwoodii)

Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) semi-evergreen

Thuja hedge detail White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’)

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Deciduous Instant Hedging

Native Mix (various mixes of native plants)

Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Instant Hedge Benefits

Hedges are cost effective, compared to a brick wall and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine.

They can create a strong framework for the garden, so that it looks good in midwinter and is adept at providing an attractive background to carry the beautiful floral decoration of spring and summer. As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds.

Planting a mature, instant hedge has the following benefits:

We have taken the time to grow the hedges, so you don’t have to!
Shelter: reducing wind strength better than a solid barrier
Filter: absorbing dust and noise
Privacy: as an effective visual screen, particularly evergreen hedging
Security: a prickly hedge is a great intruder deterrent
Beauty and interest from seasonal changes, particularly deciduous hedging
Background texture and colour complement other plants
Wildlife: food and shelter for a wide variety of native insects, birds and mammals
Weather-resistance: much better than manmade fences or brick walls
Economy long term compared with fencing and brick work
Long-lived: hedges can last hundreds of years
Can be planted to shape, such as a curve
Easy to maintain; see our notes on maintaining your instant hedge.

Instant Hedge Selecting Guide

We have created a table to help select the most suitable instant hedge for your project, click here.

Delivery and Installation

Our service options are delivery only OR delivery and installation. Please call 01753 652022 or email hedge@pracbrown.co.uk for details and a quote.

This video is a step-by-step guide to planting our Practical Instant Hedge™

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Mature Ready Grown Hedges

Practicality Brown have a number of hedging options available to help take the time out of creating a mature, instant look for any garden hedge project – whether its evergreen instant hedging for privacy screening or the seasonal interest of a mature deciduous instant hedging.

As well as our own Practical Instant Hedge™ we also supply top quality Hedging Elements and other quality hedging solutions.

Hedging Plants

We can also supply beautiful individual hedging plants and elements for different applications and extreme heights of up to 6 metres; see our Projects page or News Blog for examples of our work.

Contact Us

Please use the enquiry form with details of the hedges that you are interested in and we will provide you with a bespoke quotation.

Testimonials

Hedging and Trees

“A big thank you to your team. Everyone was extremely professional, personable and responsive. Steve was excellent in making suggestions and coming up with a planting plan. Conrad was equally consultative during the planting process when we re-ordered the shrubs for the back garden once we had them on site and worked with us on positioning the front hedge. Everything looks great and we couldn’t be happier with the screening set up in the back garden – most importantly, our neighbour loves it!! As Steve knows, we have another project on the go at the moment – we will be in touch next year once we start the landscaping process and need to address another screening challenge.” SB

Happy Customer

“Thanks for a job beautifully done! The Photinia hedgerow looks brilliant; as if it had been there ten years already. The team were great; very efficient and professional, carrying out their work with care and precision. Even the lorry and the equipment looked classy! I arrived at the house at 8:00am to the usual gap at the front and by lunchtime the hedge was in place being irrigated and the grounds tidied over. So glad I went with Practicality Brown and if anyone wants a recommendation, I’ll give you my 10 out of 10 vote. Thanks again to all who worked on this project.” HS

Photinia Hedge

“Just wanted to say how thrilled we are with the beech hedge you installed at the beginning of the month. We were very impressed with all the team from start to finish, they were friendly, extremely efficient and very tidy. It really sets the house off and has been much complimented on by friends and neighbours. In fact one of them has already asked for your number. Please pass on our thanks to all those involved.” D&S M

Beech Hedge

“We were very pleased with the Yew hedge – it has achieved exactly the effect that we wanted… “ I H – Whitchurch.

Yew Hedge

“The Practicality Brown team were very helpful and co-operative. I chose the hedges myself and was delighted with the service”. Dr. R P

Laurel and Yew Hedge to Cheam

“I expected you to be good and you were, well done”. JR, Hertfordshire.

Tree and Hedge planting in Herts

“Very pleased with the product, good informative response from site workforce. The Yew hedge for Sytch Lane Cemetery (Wombourne), lived up to our expectations”. PD.

South Staffordshire Council

“I’m not really sure where I heard of Practicality Brown, but I am very pleased with the quality of the hedge supplied…” JC.

Hornbeam Hedge to Local Authority Park

“The hedge was recommended by Pathfinder Gardening. The quality of the Beech hedging supplied was excellent”. AM.

Green Beech to Oxford

“The impact of a 30 metre long, 6 feet high instant laurel hedge appearing overnight caused some very amusing stares from drivers on the school run! A fantastic end result, providing privacy and noise reduction”. CC.

Laural Hedge

“Many thanks for the great service and quality of the yew hedging. I will be in touch regarding future work soon”. R.

Yew Hedging

FAQs

Can I buy a pre grown hedge

You can buy a hedge or an instant hedge from Practicality Brown. We offer different products that can be used as a hedge in your garden; a ready grown instant hedge and individual hedging plants.

Instant hedging is pre-grown as a mature, readymade hedge, which creates an immediate impact. This is sold by the linear metre and is available between 0.8m to 2m high.

Individual hedging plants are particularly useful if a high hedge is required over the standard 2m high instant hedge. They are available in heights from 60cm up to 6m

Both hedging products are available in a variety of popular species, both evergreen and deciduous.

What is an instant hedge?

An instant hedge is pre-grown as a mature hedgerow, creating an immediate, impressive impact; these top quality hedging options are sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants.

Benefits of planting an instant hedge:

Immediate, impressive impact
Mature plants that have already knitted together
Suitable for planting all year round
Creates show garden quality and effect

How long before my hedge looks mature?

Our hedges are mature from the moment of planting, we have the time to grow them, so you don’t have to.

Hedging for Kew Gardens 17 February 2020/by Marketing

Supplying Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, in West London, required a mature hedging solution along the perimeter of their planned Children’s Garden. The hedging was needed for immediate impact, to create the boundary of the garden, with the intention of leaving only one main entrance and exit to the garden.

The Children’s Garden is a major new feature for Kew and aims to inspire children to love and care for plants, gardens and open-air play. The completed garden is over an hectare in area and includes play structures and extensive planting among the existing trees; it is the first significant development within the Kew Gardens estate for over a decade.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

We won a competitive tender to supply 190 metres Green Beech and 200 metres of Mixed Native instant hedge. We grew our Practical Instant Hedges™ for Royal Botanic Gardens, here at out nursery in Iver. The Native Mix was made up in equal quantities of

Dogwood – Cornus sanguinea
Field Maple – Acer campestre
Hawthorn – Crataegus monogyna
Hazel – Corylus avellana
Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus

Mature Instant Hedge

As with all our dense, pre-planted and ready grown Practical Instant Hedges™, this was produced in 1m long bags of continuous root strips for easy, stress-free planting all year round. In addition to the original tender, we also supplied Quercus Ilex Instant Hedge and as well as additional Beech and Native Mix.

The Children’s’ Garden has proven really successful for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with over 25,000 positive reviews. Our 400 metre Practical Instant Hedges™ contribute to the overall ambience, providing a safe and secure environment for the children to play and explore nature.

Award-Winning

This project has been awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious Grand Award at the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards 2019. Planted and managed by specialist landscaping company, Ground Control, this scheme also won the Community and Schools Development category.

Congratulations to Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and everyone involved; we are proud to associated with The Children’s’ Garden.

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge 20 March 2018/by Marketing

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge is robust with tough silvery grey leaves that are frost, wind and salt resistant.

Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ makes a wonderful fast growing evergreen instant hedge.

Also known as Oleaster, this Instant Hedge has the benefit of fragrant flowers in the autumn and orange fruits in the spring.

Elaeagnus ebbingei is excellent for creating a dense evergreen screen anywhere but has particular value in coastal areas.

Horse Friendly Hedging

This evergreen instant hedges is suitable for horse fields and paddocks

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is currently available at 1.3 to 1.5m high.

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge

Elaeagnus growing in the nursery at Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

aka eleagnus elagnus elaegnus

Species

Latin

Foliage

Pruning

Annual growth

Aspect

Soil acceptance

pH

Leaves

Oleaster

Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’

Evergreen

Once in July or August

Fast 40-60cm

All

Very good coastal hedge

All well drained

Acidic to slightly alkaline

Silvery-green evergreen foliage

Griselinia Instant Hedge 15 August 2017/by Marketing

Griselinia Instant Hedge

Griselinia littoralis is a wonderful evergreen instant hedge, also known as Broadleaf or New Zealand Broadleaf, it has has leathery leaves which are an attractive light apple-green with inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring followed by purple fruits on female plants in the Autumn.

This hedging plant is excellent for coastal locations as it is particularly tolerant of salt laden winds – indeed the ‘littoralis’ translates as ‘growing by the sea’.

Broadleaf instant hedging prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil in either full sun or part shade. It is sensitive to a heavy frost so should be planted in a sheltered place although any damaged shoots can be pruned out and will regrow. It is therefore typically used as a hedge or evergreen screen in southern coastal locations but also does well in warmer inland areas.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Griselinia is another species of evergreen instant hedges that are suitable for horses

Griselinia is fast growing (30 – 40 cm/year) and should be trimmed at least once a year, in July or August.

Currently available at 90/100cm, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8m high as trough grown Practical Instant Hedge™.

Griselinia littoralis Practical Instant Hedge

Griselinia Practical Instant Hedge™ at the nursery in Iver

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

griselina

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Broadleaf	Griselinia littoralis	Evergreen	Once in July or August	Fast 30-40cm	Sun to partial shade	All well drained	Acidic to slightly alkaline	Apple-green leathery leaves

Some common misspellings of this Broadleaf hedging include greselinea, gresilinea, griselinea, grisilinea, grisilina

Laurel Instant Hedge 19 January 2016/by Anita Chillmaid

Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’) is an evergreen shrub that makes a bright, dense hedge. Also known as Common or English Laurel, it’s shiny lime green leaves are thick and leathery, providing perfect evergreen screening. A Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge is also a good choice if you are looking to reduce noise levels, for example, from a busy road.

The ideal situation for this evergreen hedging is in nutritious soil that is not too heavy and is happy in sun or shade. Prunus laurocerasus will thrive in most soils, including clay, but it dislikes (shallow) chalk when Portuguese Laurel would be perfect.

A Laurel hedge is fast growing (30 – 40 cm/year) and should be trimmed at least once a year, in July or August.

We have this available at 1/1.2m, 1.3/1.5m, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge

1.6/1.8m high Practical Instant Common Laurel Hedge growing at our nursery in Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Cherry Laurel	Prunus laurocerasus	Evergreen	Once in July or August	Fast30-40cm	Sun to shade	All except shallow chalk	Neutral to slightly acidic	Large shiny green. Thick and leathery

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban 31 July 2026/in Advice, News /by Marketing

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban

Hot, dry summers are becoming increasingly common across the UK, bringing hosepipe bans and raising an important question for gardeners.

Last updated: July 2026

Can you water newly planted trees and hedges during a hosepipe ban?

Most water company’s allow managed watering methods such as automated drip irrigation, but please check with your local water company’s restrictions. Whatever the rules, the key to successful establishment isn’t using more water, it’s using water efficiently and directing it where plants need it most.

With the right planting methods and sensible watering practices, newly planted trees and hedges can establish successfully, even during prolonged periods of dry weather.

Why We Recommend Drip Irrigation

Where possible, we recommend an automated drip irrigation system as one of the most efficient ways to water newly planted trees and hedges.

Unlike sprinklers, drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and ensuring moisture reaches the plant rather than the surrounding soil. Water is absorbed gradually, encouraging roots to grow deeper and helping plants become more resilient.

For longer hedges, specimen trees and larger planting schemes, drip irrigation provides consistent moisture while making the best use of every litre of water.

Always check the latest guidance from your local water supplier before using any irrigation system, as restrictions vary between water companies.

What Is a Hosepipe Ban?

A hosepipe ban, officially known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), is introduced by water companies to protect water supplies during periods of exceptionally dry weather.

The restrictions are not identical across the UK. Some activities may be prohibited by one supplier but permitted by another, so it is always worth checking the latest advice for your area.

While restrictions may affect how you water your garden, they do not change the fact that newly planted trees and hedges need careful attention during their first growing seasons.

Why Newly Planted Trees and Hedges Need Water

Whether you’ve planted an instant hedge, a screening tree or a specimen tree, the first two growing seasons are the most important for successful establishment.

Until roots spread into the surrounding soil, plants rely on the moisture available within and immediately around the original rootball. During prolonged dry weather, allowing this area to dry out can slow establishment and place unnecessary stress on the plant.

Deep, occasional watering is generally more effective than frequent light watering, encouraging roots to grow downwards in search of moisture and producing stronger, healthier plants in the long term.

Why Practical Instant Hedge™ Performs So Well

Successful summer planting isn’t simply about watering, it starts with the quality of the root system.

Practical Instant Hedge™ is grown in one-metre troughs at our Buckinghamshire nursery, allowing each section to develop a dense, fibrous root system before it leaves us. Because the entire rootball remains intact during planting, transplant stress is minimised and the hedge establishes quickly when planted correctly.

Unlike bare root hedging, which can only be planted during the dormant season, Practical Instant Hedge™ can be planted throughout the year, making it an excellent choice when an instant screen or mature boundary is needed without waiting for winter.

Combined with good soil preparation and sensible watering, it gives plants the best possible start while making efficient use of available water during dry weather.

Five Ways to Water More Efficiently

If you are watering manually, a few simple techniques will make every drop count:

Water deeply rather than little and often. This encourages deeper root growth and improves drought resilience.
Water early in the morning or later in the evening. Cooler temperatures reduce evaporation.
Direct water to the base of the plant. Wetting the leaves does little to benefit the roots.
Apply organic mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keeps the soil cooler.
Prioritise newly planted trees and hedges. Established plants are generally much better able to tolerate dry conditions.

These simple measures often have a greater impact than simply using more water.

Trees and Hedges Have Different Watering Needs

Although the principles are the same, trees and hedges establish slightly differently.

Newly planted specimen trees and larger screening trees have a greater leaf area, meaning they can lose more moisture during hot weather and often benefit from careful monitoring during prolonged dry periods.

Evergreen hedges, meanwhile, continue to lose moisture through their leaves throughout the year and appreciate consistent watering while they establish.

Whichever you choose, good soil preparation and careful watering during the first two growing seasons will lay the foundations for healthy, resilient plants.

Professional Planting Makes a Difference

Correct planting is every bit as important as careful watering.

Preparing the planting area properly, improving the soil where necessary and planting at the correct depth all help trees and hedges establish more quickly and make better use of available moisture.

Many of our customers choose our professional planting service, particularly for larger hedges and specimen trees, giving them confidence that their investment has been planted correctly from the outset.

Looking Ahead

As the UK’s climate continues to change, periods of hot, dry weather are becoming more common. Choosing high-quality nursery-grown plants, preparing the soil properly and watering efficiently will all help create healthier, more resilient gardens.

At Practicality Brown, we’ve spent decades growing and planting premium trees and hedges for gardens, landscapes and commercial projects across the UK. Whether you’re creating an instant screen, replacing a boundary hedge or selecting specimen trees, our experienced team is always happy to offer practical advice.

Planning a Garden Project?

If you’re planning a new hedge or tree planting project, we can help you choose the right plants for your site and advise on planting, watering and establishment.

Browse our range of hedges and trees, or contact our team to discuss your project.

You may also find our previous guide to Irrigation and Hosepipe Bans helpful if you’re looking for more information on irrigation systems and previous restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I water newly planted trees during a hosepipe ban?

The rules vary between water companies, so always check the latest guidance from your local supplier. Whatever the restrictions, newly planted trees should be watered responsibly while they establish, using the most efficient method permitted. We recommend automated drip irrigation.

Is drip irrigation better than using a sprinkler?

Yes. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, where it is needed most, while reducing evaporation and unnecessary runoff. It is one of the most water-efficient ways to establish newly planted trees and hedges.

How often should I water a newly planted hedge?

This depends on the weather, soil type and the size of the hedge. During warm, dry weather, it is generally better to water thoroughly when the soil begins to dry rather than applying small amounts every day. We recommend automated drip irrigation for our Practical Instant Hedge™.

Do established hedges need watering?

Most established hedges are surprisingly resilient. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather may mean they benefit from occasional deep watering, particularly if they are growing in light, free-draining soils.

Are some trees better suited to hot, dry summers?

Yes. While all newly planted trees need watering until established, some species are naturally more tolerant of dry conditions once mature.

For inspiration, read our guide to the best shade trees for UK gardens, which includes species that provide welcome cooling shade and are well suited to increasingly warm summers.

Can Practicality Brown plant my hedge for me?

Yes. We offer a professional planting service for many of our hedging and tree products, helping ensure they establish successfully from day one.

Image Credit: Drip System Stock photos by Vecteezy

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens 16 July 2026/in News, Semi mature trees /by Marketing

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens: How to Cool Your Space This Summer

Discover the best shade trees for UK gardens and learn how the right semi-mature tree can create cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces. From compact ornamental trees for small gardens to larger canopy trees for expansive landscapes, our expert guide will help you choose the perfect tree for natural shade.

How to Create Cooler Outdoor Spaces with Trees for Natural Shade

As UK summers become warmer and periods of extreme heat become more frequent, gardens are having to work harder than ever before. Outdoor spaces are no longer simply somewhere to admire from the house – they’ve become places to relax, entertain, work and spend time with family and friends. Creating natural shade is now an important consideration in garden design, helping outdoor spaces remain comfortable and enjoyable throughout the summer months.

Yet as temperatures rise, many gardens become uncomfortable during the hottest parts of the day. South-facing patios can become too hot to enjoy, lawns dry out more quickly, and plants can struggle under prolonged periods of intense sunshine.

Fortunately, nature has already provided one of the most effective solutions: trees.

The right tree does much more than cast shade. It cools the surrounding air, creates comfortable outdoor living spaces, supports wildlife, improves air quality and brings year-round beauty to the landscape. Whether you have a compact courtyard garden or a generous family plot, choosing the right tree can transform how your garden feels and functions.

Why Trees Are the Best Way to Cool a Garden

Unlike pergolas, parasols or shade sails, trees don’t simply block sunlight – they actively cool the environment.

Their leafy canopies intercept solar radiation before it reaches the ground, while thousands of leaves release moisture into the air through a natural process known as evapotranspiration.¹ This process reduces surrounding air temperatures, creating noticeably cooler spaces beneath and around the canopy.

Research from the World Resources Institute suggests that strategically planted trees can reduce surface temperatures and make outdoor spaces feel significantly cooler, with differences of up to 14°C recorded in some urban environments.²

Studies published by the Arboriculture & Urban Forestry journal also highlight that the greatest cooling benefits come from selecting appropriate tree species with healthy, well-developed canopies, while the combined effects of shade and evapotranspiration significantly reduce ambient temperatures.³

In practical terms, that means:

Cooler patios and terraces
More comfortable outdoor dining areas
Reduced heat reflected from paving
Better moisture retention in borders and lawns
Less stress on surrounding planting
Improved habitat for birds, bees and beneficial insects

Trees also provide nesting sites, shelter and seasonal food sources, making them one of the most valuable additions to any wildlife-friendly garden. As our climate continues to change, shade trees are becoming an increasingly important part of resilient garden design.

Choosing the Right Shade Tree

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a huge tree to create meaningful shade.

In reality, many smaller ornamental trees produce beautiful, dappled shade that’s ideal for patios and seating areas, while medium-sized trees can comfortably cool an entire family garden without overwhelming the space.

The key is selecting a species that suits both your available space and your long-term aspirations. It’s equally important to consider the tree’s eventual height and spread, ensuring it has sufficient room to mature while providing shade exactly where it’s needed.

Best Shade Trees for Small Gardens

Smaller gardens often benefit from trees that create filtered or dappled shade rather than dense cover. This allows plenty of natural light to reach surrounding planting while making seating areas far more comfortable during summer.

Malus ‘Evereste’

This ornamental crab apple offers spring blossom, colourful fruit and excellent seasonal interest. Its compact canopy creates gentle shade that’s perfect for outdoor dining areas while also providing an important food source for pollinating insects and birds. Mature height: 3-7m

Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet)

A compact evergreen tree with attractive small scented white flowers that appear from mid-summer to early autumn, followed by small round black berries. A pretty tree suitable for many gardens. Mature Height: 3-7m

Ilex aquifolium ‘Nellie R Stevens’

This is an attractive evergreen holly with lustrous, glossy green foliage. Its bright red berries provide valuable food for birds through autumn and winter, while its dense evergreen canopy offers year-round screening and welcome shade, making it an excellent choice where privacy is just as important as cooling. Mature Height: 3-5m

Looking for something a little more architectural? Multi-stem trees are an excellent choice for adding character as well as shade. Available in species such as Photinia Red Robin and Osmanthus aquifolium, they create an immediate architectural focal point with their sculptural branching. Their naturally airy canopies provide soft, dappled shade, making them particularly well suited to smaller gardens, courtyards and contemporary landscape schemes.

Best Shade Trees for Medium Gardens

Where a little more space is available, medium-sized trees can create generous areas of cooling shade while becoming striking focal points within the landscape.

Birch Trees (Betula)

Birch trees are an excellent choice where light, dappled shade is preferred. Their elegant forms allow filtered sunlight to reach the ground while creating cooler, more comfortable seating areas.

Betula pendula (Silver Birch) has branches that are flexible, with a tendancy to weep or droop. The bark starts white but, as the tree matures it develops attractive dark, deep fissures. Mature Height: 20m

Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ (West Himalayan Birch) has more upright branches and distinctive thin, white bark that peels easily. Mature Height: 18m

Sorbus aucuparia Sheerwater Seedling’ (Rowan/Mountain Ash)

This urban-friendly Mountain Ash offers delicate, airy foliage that filters sunlight beautifully. Clusters of white flowers are followed by vibrant berries, attracting birds throughout autumn while providing light shade that works particularly well in wildlife-friendly gardens. Mature Height: 7-12m

Prunus cerasifera Nigra

A deciduous ornamental purple cherry plum tree that is one of the first trees to blossom in the UK. The profuse pink flowers remain on the tree whilst the dark foliage begins to emerge, gradually fading to white and contrasting fantastically with the small blackish-purple leaves. Mature height: 10m

Shade Trees for Larger Gardens

If space allows, larger canopy trees become defining features of the landscape.

Species such as English Oak (Quercus robur), London Plane (Platanus × hispanica) and Common Lime (Tilia × europaea) provide extensive shade while becoming part of the garden’s long-term legacy.

Although these trees require careful positioning, they reward patience by creating magnificent outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for generations.

Where Should You Plant a Shade Tree?

Careful positioning is just as important as choosing the right species.

Think about how you use your garden during the summer. Is there a patio that becomes unbearably hot by late afternoon? A children’s play area with little natural shelter? A seating area that’s only comfortable during the evening?

Planting a tree to provide afternoon shade can dramatically improve comfort without blocking valuable morning sunlight.

It’s also important to consider the tree’s mature size, root spread and proximity to buildings, allowing sufficient space for healthy growth over many years.

More Than Just Shade

While cooling is often the initial motivation, trees deliver a remarkable range of additional benefits.

Healthy trees help capture airborne pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce surface water runoff during heavy rainfall and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.

Many flowering species also support pollinators, while berries and seeds provide food for birds throughout the year.

Even in winter, deciduous trees continue to earn their place by allowing lower-angle sunlight to reach the garden after leaves have fallen – something permanent shade structures cannot offer.

Trees and Climate Resilience

Across the UK, trees are playing an increasingly important role in helping landscapes adapt to climate change.

Local authorities are expanding urban tree planting programmes to reduce heat build-up in towns and cities, while homeowners are recognising the importance of designing gardens that remain enjoyable despite rising temperatures.

Even the sporting world has embraced the benefits of shade trees. Recent discussions surrounding tree planting at cricket grounds have highlighted how species such as willow can improve spectator comfort, enhance biodiversity and help create cooler outdoor environments.

It’s another reminder that trees aren’t simply decorative, they’re part of the infrastructure that helps make places healthier, more comfortable and more resilient.

Why Choose a Semi-Mature Tree?

One of the greatest advantages of planting semi-mature trees is that many of the benefits begin immediately. Rather than waiting years for a sapling to establish, semi-mature specimens provide instant structure, a sense of maturity and meaningful shade far sooner.

For homeowners, this means creating comfortable outdoor spaces from the outset. For landscape architects and developers, it enables newly completed projects to feel established and welcoming from day one.

At Practicality Brown, all our semi-mature trees are Plant Healthy certified, ensuring they are top quality and therefore likely to establish successfully while delivering immediate visual impact.

Best Shade Trees for All Sizes of Gardens

Garden size	Recommended trees
Small	Malus ‘Evereste’, Ligustrum japonicum, Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, Multi-stem Osmanthus aquifolium
Medium	Birch, Mountain Ash, Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’
Large	Oak, London Plane, Lime

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shade tree for a small UK garden?

For compact gardens, ornamental trees such as Malus ‘Evereste’, Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and carefully selected multi-stem specimens provide attractive shade without overwhelming the space. The best choice depends on the size, style and aspect of your garden.

Which tree provides the fastest shade?

Semi-mature trees offer immediate impact regardless of species. Fast-growing varieties such as Lime and Plane establish well and quickly develop larger canopies when planted in suitable conditions.

Can trees really make a garden cooler?

Yes. Trees reduce temperatures by blocking direct sunlight and through evapotranspiration, where water released from leaves cools the surrounding air. Together, these natural processes can significantly improve comfort during hot weather.

Should I choose a deciduous or evergreen tree?

For most gardens, deciduous trees are ideal because they provide welcome shade during summer while allowing sunlight to reach the garden in winter once their leaves have fallen. Evergreens have the benefit of offering year round screening.

How close can I plant a tree to my house?

The appropriate distance depends on the species, mature size and local ground conditions. Seeking professional advice before planting ensures the tree has sufficient room to develop while protecting nearby structures.

Finding the Right Tree for Your Garden

Every garden is unique, and the best shade tree is one that complements both the available space and the way you enjoy your outdoor environment.

Whether you’re looking for an ornamental tree to cast gentle shade across a patio or a larger specimen to anchor a family garden, choosing a high-quality semi-mature tree allows you to enjoy the benefits much sooner.

At Practicality Brown, we grow and supply one of the UK’s largest selections of semi-mature trees, with species suited to gardens of every size. Our experienced team can help you select the right tree for your site, ensuring it provides decades of beauty, biodiversity and welcome shade.

Browse our current Tree Availability List to explore our latest stock or contact our team for expert guidance on choosing the perfect shade tree for your next project.

Whether you’re creating a shady retreat in a compact town garden or designing a landscape for future generations, the right tree will reward you every summer for decades to come.

Sources

Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre. Plants and Water. During evapotranspiration, the Sun’s energy is used to transfer water from the leaves of plants into the atmosphere. Available at https://leaf.leeds.ac.uk/research/plants-and-water/
World Resources Institute (2025). Urban Trees Have a Cooling Effect. New Research Shows Where They Matter Most. Available at: https://www.wri.org/insights/urban-trees-cooling-potential
Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (International Society of Arboriculture). Rahman, M.A. et al. Tree Cooling Effects and Human Thermal Comfort in Urban Areas: A Review of the Biophysical Processes. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, Vol. 39, No. 4. Available at: https://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/39/4/157

In Stock: 1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ 4 June 2026/in Instant Hedge, News /by Marketing

Instant Privacy with Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™

Creating privacy in a garden shouldn’t mean waiting years for a hedge to establish. With our Practical Instant Hedge™ Portuguese Laurel, you can enjoy a mature evergreen screen from the day it’s planted.

We currently have 800 metres of 1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ available for immediate delivery, making it an ideal solution for homeowners, landscapers, garden designers and developers looking for instant impact.

Why Choose Portuguese Laurel?

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’) is one of the most elegant evergreen hedging plants available. Its glossy dark green leaves and rich burgundy stems create a refined appearance that works equally well in traditional and contemporary gardens. It offers a more sophisticated look while still providing excellent year-round screening and privacy.

Instant Results

Traditional hedging can take several years to create an effective screen. Practical Instant Hedge™ is different.

Each hedge section is pre-grown and supplied as a mature, ready-formed hedge, creating an immediate boundary and privacy screen as soon as it is planted.

Whether you’re screening neighbouring properties, creating structure in a new garden, or completing a landscaping project, Practical Instant Hedge™ delivers a finished look from day one.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Gardens

Portuguese Laurel thrives in both sun and partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardens throughout the UK.

Its dense evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and screening, while regular trimming can maintain a neat formal appearance.

Available for Immediate Delivery

With 800 metres currently available at 1.8m high, this is an excellent opportunity for both private gardens and larger landscaping projects.

If you’re looking for instant privacy, mature evergreen screening and immediate visual impact, our Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™ is ready to transform your space.

Contact our team today to discuss your project and reserve your quantity.

Osmanthus Instant Hedge 2 October 2023/by Marketing

Our Practical Instant Hedge™ range now includes the attractive evergreen Osmanthus burkwoodii.

Burkwood osmanthus is a dense, slow-growing, evergreen. The glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves beautifully offset by highly scented, jasmine like, white flowers in mid and late spring. If pruned after flowering, it will increase the blooms for the following year.

Osmanthus instant hedge thrives on free draining soils but may lose leaves in the severest of winters, so it is best grown in a sunny aspect with protection against biting winter winds.

Osmanthus burkwoodii has RHS Award of Garden Merit and is an attractive evergreen with seasonal interest that will prove popular as an instant hedge.

We have this available at 80cm to 100cm high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Burkwood osmanthus	Osmanthus burkwoodii	Evergreen	Regularly in Summer	Average 20-40cm	Sun to partial shade	All well drained	Any	Dark green oval

Blue Holly Instant Hedge 2 October 2023/by Marketing

Blue Holly Instant Hedge

Our Practical Instant Hedge range now includes the evergreen Ilex meserveae, also known as Blue Holly.

Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince has dense, lustrous, blue-green, spiny leaves from purple stems and tiny, white flowers are produced in spring. These cultivars are some of the best blue hollies available. Our Practical Instant Hedge™ has a mix of Blue Maid and Blue Prince to ensure the delightful profusion of bright red berries in autumn and winter. Late summer pruning will reveal dark purplish-green stems, which add to the ornamental effect.

Plant it in full or partial sun in moist, well-drained soil; it can be easily pruned.

We have this available at 1.4 – 1.6m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

We also have English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) available as an instant hedge.

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Blue Holly	Ilex meserveae Blue Maid/ Prince	Evergreen	Once in August	Slow 20-30cm	Sun to shade	All well drained	Acidic to alkaline	Blue green spiny

Instant Hedge 6 January 2022/by Technique Web

We Are The Instant Hedge Specialists

Practicality Brown have specialised in instant hedges for over 20 years, providing immediate impact and maturity to many private gardens and landscaping projects.

Our instant hedging is pre-grown and sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants. They are offered on a supply and deliver or a supply, deliver and plant basis. These mature hedges are available all year round and are between 0.8m and 1.8 to 2m high. Using our experience we have developed our own range of Practical Instant Hedge™ in hedge bags, UK grown by us in Buckinghamshire.

You are most welcome to visit our nursery to view the stock and select your own hedge. Simply contact our sales team to make an appointment, and one of our experts will show you around the nursery.

1.8m high Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™

Please see our Practical Instant Hedge™ page for details of this high end, easy to plant, Instant Hedge.

For more information please see our Hedge Ideas page or contact us by completing an enquiry form or call us on 01753 652022 to discuss your requirements. Our sales team will then be able to provide a bespoke quotation based on the best instant hedge options for your specific garden project.

Order Online

For delivery only orders, you can browse the online shop – just click on the name of the hedge you are interested in under the hedge pictures below.

We also have hedges taller than 2m high available – click on the following link for details – screening trees and high hedge.

Instant Hedge Varieties

We have over fifteen thousand metres of instant hedge in production, both evergreen and deciduous, the species and heights available are listed below. The availability can change on a weekly basis and therefore we welcome specific enquiries, based on the approximate linear metres required and the time of planting.

Evergreen Instant Hedging

Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis)

Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)

Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’)

Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’)

Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae)

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’)

Osmanthus Instant Hedge Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus burkwoodii)

Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’

Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) semi-evergreen

Thuja hedge detail White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’)

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Deciduous Instant Hedging

Native Mix (various mixes of native plants)

Green Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Instant Hedge Benefits

Hedges are cost effective, compared to a brick wall and form an attractive boundary more quickly than many gardeners imagine.

They can create a strong framework for the garden, so that it looks good in midwinter and is adept at providing an attractive background to carry the beautiful floral decoration of spring and summer. As well as providing structure to the garden, they can be perfect for wildlife, and particularly nesting birds.

Planting a mature, instant hedge has the following benefits:

We have taken the time to grow the hedges, so you don’t have to!
Shelter: reducing wind strength better than a solid barrier
Filter: absorbing dust and noise
Privacy: as an effective visual screen, particularly evergreen hedging
Security: a prickly hedge is a great intruder deterrent
Beauty and interest from seasonal changes, particularly deciduous hedging
Background texture and colour complement other plants
Wildlife: food and shelter for a wide variety of native insects, birds and mammals
Weather-resistance: much better than manmade fences or brick walls
Economy long term compared with fencing and brick work
Long-lived: hedges can last hundreds of years
Can be planted to shape, such as a curve
Easy to maintain; see our notes on maintaining your instant hedge.

Instant Hedge Selecting Guide

We have created a table to help select the most suitable instant hedge for your project, click here.

Delivery and Installation

Our service options are delivery only OR delivery and installation. Please call 01753 652022 or email hedge@pracbrown.co.uk for details and a quote.

This video is a step-by-step guide to planting our Practical Instant Hedge™

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Mature Ready Grown Hedges

Practicality Brown have a number of hedging options available to help take the time out of creating a mature, instant look for any garden hedge project – whether its evergreen instant hedging for privacy screening or the seasonal interest of a mature deciduous instant hedging.

As well as our own Practical Instant Hedge™ we also supply top quality Hedging Elements and other quality hedging solutions.

Hedging Plants

We can also supply beautiful individual hedging plants and elements for different applications and extreme heights of up to 6 metres; see our Projects page or News Blog for examples of our work.

Contact Us

Please use the enquiry form with details of the hedges that you are interested in and we will provide you with a bespoke quotation.

Testimonials

Hedging and Trees

“A big thank you to your team. Everyone was extremely professional, personable and responsive. Steve was excellent in making suggestions and coming up with a planting plan. Conrad was equally consultative during the planting process when we re-ordered the shrubs for the back garden once we had them on site and worked with us on positioning the front hedge. Everything looks great and we couldn’t be happier with the screening set up in the back garden – most importantly, our neighbour loves it!! As Steve knows, we have another project on the go at the moment – we will be in touch next year once we start the landscaping process and need to address another screening challenge.” SB

Happy Customer

“Thanks for a job beautifully done! The Photinia hedgerow looks brilliant; as if it had been there ten years already. The team were great; very efficient and professional, carrying out their work with care and precision. Even the lorry and the equipment looked classy! I arrived at the house at 8:00am to the usual gap at the front and by lunchtime the hedge was in place being irrigated and the grounds tidied over. So glad I went with Practicality Brown and if anyone wants a recommendation, I’ll give you my 10 out of 10 vote. Thanks again to all who worked on this project.” HS

Photinia Hedge

“Just wanted to say how thrilled we are with the beech hedge you installed at the beginning of the month. We were very impressed with all the team from start to finish, they were friendly, extremely efficient and very tidy. It really sets the house off and has been much complimented on by friends and neighbours. In fact one of them has already asked for your number. Please pass on our thanks to all those involved.” D&S M

Beech Hedge

“We were very pleased with the Yew hedge – it has achieved exactly the effect that we wanted… “ I H – Whitchurch.

Yew Hedge

“The Practicality Brown team were very helpful and co-operative. I chose the hedges myself and was delighted with the service”. Dr. R P

Laurel and Yew Hedge to Cheam

“I expected you to be good and you were, well done”. JR, Hertfordshire.

Tree and Hedge planting in Herts

“Very pleased with the product, good informative response from site workforce. The Yew hedge for Sytch Lane Cemetery (Wombourne), lived up to our expectations”. PD.

South Staffordshire Council

“I’m not really sure where I heard of Practicality Brown, but I am very pleased with the quality of the hedge supplied…” JC.

Hornbeam Hedge to Local Authority Park

“The hedge was recommended by Pathfinder Gardening. The quality of the Beech hedging supplied was excellent”. AM.

Green Beech to Oxford

“The impact of a 30 metre long, 6 feet high instant laurel hedge appearing overnight caused some very amusing stares from drivers on the school run! A fantastic end result, providing privacy and noise reduction”. CC.

Laural Hedge

“Many thanks for the great service and quality of the yew hedging. I will be in touch regarding future work soon”. R.

Yew Hedging

FAQs

Can I buy a pre grown hedge

You can buy a hedge or an instant hedge from Practicality Brown. We offer different products that can be used as a hedge in your garden; a ready grown instant hedge and individual hedging plants.

Instant hedging is pre-grown as a mature, readymade hedge, which creates an immediate impact. This is sold by the linear metre and is available between 0.8m to 2m high.

Individual hedging plants are particularly useful if a high hedge is required over the standard 2m high instant hedge. They are available in heights from 60cm up to 6m

Both hedging products are available in a variety of popular species, both evergreen and deciduous.

What is an instant hedge?

An instant hedge is pre-grown as a mature hedgerow, creating an immediate, impressive impact; these top quality hedging options are sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants.

Benefits of planting an instant hedge:

Immediate, impressive impact
Mature plants that have already knitted together
Suitable for planting all year round
Creates show garden quality and effect

How long before my hedge looks mature?

Our hedges are mature from the moment of planting, we have the time to grow them, so you don’t have to.

Hedging for Kew Gardens 17 February 2020/by Marketing

Supplying Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, in West London, required a mature hedging solution along the perimeter of their planned Children’s Garden. The hedging was needed for immediate impact, to create the boundary of the garden, with the intention of leaving only one main entrance and exit to the garden.

The Children’s Garden is a major new feature for Kew and aims to inspire children to love and care for plants, gardens and open-air play. The completed garden is over an hectare in area and includes play structures and extensive planting among the existing trees; it is the first significant development within the Kew Gardens estate for over a decade.

Native Mix Instant Hedge

We won a competitive tender to supply 190 metres Green Beech and 200 metres of Mixed Native instant hedge. We grew our Practical Instant Hedges™ for Royal Botanic Gardens, here at out nursery in Iver. The Native Mix was made up in equal quantities of

Dogwood – Cornus sanguinea
Field Maple – Acer campestre
Hawthorn – Crataegus monogyna
Hazel – Corylus avellana
Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus

Mature Instant Hedge

As with all our dense, pre-planted and ready grown Practical Instant Hedges™, this was produced in 1m long bags of continuous root strips for easy, stress-free planting all year round. In addition to the original tender, we also supplied Quercus Ilex Instant Hedge and as well as additional Beech and Native Mix.

The Children’s’ Garden has proven really successful for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with over 25,000 positive reviews. Our 400 metre Practical Instant Hedges™ contribute to the overall ambience, providing a safe and secure environment for the children to play and explore nature.

Award-Winning

This project has been awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious Grand Award at the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards 2019. Planted and managed by specialist landscaping company, Ground Control, this scheme also won the Community and Schools Development category.

Congratulations to Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and everyone involved; we are proud to associated with The Children’s’ Garden.

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge 20 March 2018/by Marketing

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge is robust with tough silvery grey leaves that are frost, wind and salt resistant.

Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ makes a wonderful fast growing evergreen instant hedge.

Also known as Oleaster, this Instant Hedge has the benefit of fragrant flowers in the autumn and orange fruits in the spring.

Elaeagnus ebbingei is excellent for creating a dense evergreen screen anywhere but has particular value in coastal areas.

Horse Friendly Hedging

This evergreen instant hedges is suitable for horse fields and paddocks

This Practical Instant Hedge™ is currently available at 1.3 to 1.5m high.

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge

Elaeagnus growing in the nursery at Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

aka eleagnus elagnus elaegnus

Species

Latin

Foliage

Pruning

Annual growth

Aspect

Soil acceptance

pH

Leaves

Oleaster

Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’

Evergreen

Once in July or August

Fast 40-60cm

All

Very good coastal hedge

All well drained

Acidic to slightly alkaline

Silvery-green evergreen foliage

Griselinia Instant Hedge 15 August 2017/by Marketing

Griselinia Instant Hedge

Griselinia littoralis is a wonderful evergreen instant hedge, also known as Broadleaf or New Zealand Broadleaf, it has has leathery leaves which are an attractive light apple-green with inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring followed by purple fruits on female plants in the Autumn.

This hedging plant is excellent for coastal locations as it is particularly tolerant of salt laden winds – indeed the ‘littoralis’ translates as ‘growing by the sea’.

Broadleaf instant hedging prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil in either full sun or part shade. It is sensitive to a heavy frost so should be planted in a sheltered place although any damaged shoots can be pruned out and will regrow. It is therefore typically used as a hedge or evergreen screen in southern coastal locations but also does well in warmer inland areas.

Horse Friendly Hedging

Griselinia is another species of evergreen instant hedges that are suitable for horses

Griselinia is fast growing (30 – 40 cm/year) and should be trimmed at least once a year, in July or August.

Currently available at 90/100cm, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8m high as trough grown Practical Instant Hedge™.

Griselinia littoralis Practical Instant Hedge

Griselinia Practical Instant Hedge™ at the nursery in Iver

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

griselina

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Broadleaf	Griselinia littoralis	Evergreen	Once in July or August	Fast 30-40cm	Sun to partial shade	All well drained	Acidic to slightly alkaline	Apple-green leathery leaves

Some common misspellings of this Broadleaf hedging include greselinea, gresilinea, griselinea, grisilinea, grisilina

Laurel Instant Hedge 19 January 2016/by Anita Chillmaid

Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’) is an evergreen shrub that makes a bright, dense hedge. Also known as Common or English Laurel, it’s shiny lime green leaves are thick and leathery, providing perfect evergreen screening. A Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge is also a good choice if you are looking to reduce noise levels, for example, from a busy road.

The ideal situation for this evergreen hedging is in nutritious soil that is not too heavy and is happy in sun or shade. Prunus laurocerasus will thrive in most soils, including clay, but it dislikes (shallow) chalk when Portuguese Laurel would be perfect.

A Laurel hedge is fast growing (30 – 40 cm/year) and should be trimmed at least once a year, in July or August.

We have this available at 1/1.2m, 1.3/1.5m, 1.5/1.8m and 1.8/2m high as a Practical Instant Hedge™.

Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge

1.6/1.8m high Practical Instant Common Laurel Hedge growing at our nursery in Iver, Bucks.

Click here to contact us if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Species	Latin	Foliage	Pruning	Annual growth	Aspect	Soil acceptance	pH	Leaves
Cherry Laurel	Prunus laurocerasus	Evergreen	Once in July or August	Fast30-40cm	Sun to shade	All except shallow chalk	Neutral to slightly acidic	Large shiny green. Thick and leathery

Posts

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban

Can you water newly planted trees and hedges during a hosepipe ban?

Why We Recommend Drip Irrigation

What Is a Hosepipe Ban?

Why Newly Planted Trees and Hedges Need Water

Why Practical Instant Hedge™ Performs So Well

Five Ways to Water More Efficiently

Trees and Hedges Have Different Watering Needs

Professional Planting Makes a Difference

Looking Ahead

Planning a Garden Project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens: How to Cool Your Space This Summer

How to Create Cooler Outdoor Spaces with Trees for Natural Shade

Why Trees Are the Best Way to Cool a Garden

Choosing the Right Shade Tree

Best Shade Trees for Small Gardens

Best Shade Trees for Medium Gardens

Birch Trees (Betula)

Shade Trees for Larger Gardens

Where Should You Plant a Shade Tree?

More Than Just Shade

Trees and Climate Resilience

Why Choose a Semi-Mature Tree?

Best Shade Trees for All Sizes of Gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the Right Tree for Your Garden

Instant Privacy with Portuguese Laurel Practical Instant Hedge™

Why Choose Portuguese Laurel?

Instant Results

Suitable for a Wide Range of Gardens

Available for Immediate Delivery

Blue Holly Instant Hedge

We Are The Instant Hedge Specialists

Order Online

Instant Hedge Varieties

Evergreen Instant Hedging

Deciduous Instant Hedging

Instant Hedge Benefits

Instant Hedge Selecting Guide

Delivery and Installation

Mature Ready Grown Hedges

Hedging Plants

Contact Us

Testimonials

Hedging and Trees

FAQs

Can I buy a pre grown hedge

What is an instant hedge?

How long before my hedge looks mature?

Supplying Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Native Mix Instant Hedge

Mature Instant Hedge

Award-Winning

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge

Horse Friendly Hedging

Griselinia Instant Hedge

Horse Friendly Hedging

Cherry Laurel Instant Hedge

Pages

Watering Trees and Hedges During a Hosepipe Ban

Can you water newly planted trees and hedges during a hosepipe ban?

Why We Recommend Drip Irrigation

What Is a Hosepipe Ban?

Why Newly Planted Trees and Hedges Need Water

Why Practical Instant Hedge™ Performs So Well

Five Ways to Water More Efficiently

Trees and Hedges Have Different Watering Needs

Professional Planting Makes a Difference

Looking Ahead

Planning a Garden Project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Shade Trees for UK Gardens: How to Cool Your Space This Summer

How to Create Cooler Outdoor Spaces with Trees for Natural Shade

Why Trees Are the Best Way to Cool a Garden

Choosing the Right Shade Tree

Best Shade Trees for Small Gardens

Best Shade Trees for Medium Gardens

Birch Trees (Betula)