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:

1. Water deeply rather than little and often. This encourages deeper root growth and improves drought resilience.
2. Water early in the morning or later in the evening. Cooler temperatures reduce evaporation.
3. Direct water to the base of the plant. Wetting the leaves does little to benefit the roots.
4. Apply organic mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and keeps the soil cooler.
5. 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