Hedge Spacing Calculator
Work out how many hedging plants a run needs from its length, the species spacing and single or double staggered rows.
About this tool
Hedge Spacing Calculator
Work out how many hedging plants a run needs from its length, the species spacing and single or double staggered rows.
A hedge spacing calculator converts a run length and a nursery planting distance into the number of plants to order, using gaps = round(length ÷ spacing) and plants = gaps + 1 so there is a plant at each end. It covers single rows and staggered double rows, adds a spares allowance, and reports the spacing actually achieved once the run is divided evenly. Spacing figures for twelve common hedging species are built in.
How to use Hedge Spacing Calculator
- 1
Open Hedge Spacing Calculator on AltFTool — it loads instantly in your browser.
- 2
Enter the values you already know.
- 3
Fine-tune the options to match your scenario.
- 4
Read the result and use it in your planning or reporting.
Why use Hedge Spacing Calculator
Spacing that divides evenly
Shows the real on-site spacing after the run is split into equal gaps, not just the nominal figure.
Species distances built in
Box at 20–25 cm through to laurel and leylandii at 60–90 cm, so you start from the right number.
Trench materials too
Adds compost per planting hole and the mulch volume for the strip along the row.
Common use cases
- Ordering privet or beech whips for a 10 m boundary at 3 plants per metre
- Comparing a single row against a staggered double row for a stock-proof or screening hedge
- Sizing the compost and mulch for a planting trench at the same time as the plant order
Frequently asked questions
How many plants do I need for a 10 metre hedge?
About 31 plants in a single row at 33 cm spacing — 30 gaps plus one plant to close each end — or 62 for a staggered double row. Order roughly 5% spare against transplant losses.
How far apart should hedging plants be?
It depends on the species: box 20–25 cm, privet, beech and hornbeam 30–45 cm, yew 45–60 cm, and laurel, thuja or leylandii 60–90 cm. Closer spacing thickens up faster but costs more and increases competition.
Is a double row better than a single row?
A staggered double row fills in faster and gives a denser, more stock-proof screen, but it doubles the plant count and needs a strip about 40 cm wider. A single row is normally enough for an ornamental garden hedge.
When is the best time to plant a hedge?
Bare-root hedging goes in during the dormant season — late autumn to late winter — while pot-grown plants can be planted whenever the ground is not frozen or baked dry. Water through the first two growing seasons until the roots are established.
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