NATIVE TREES, SHRUBS AND

HEDGEROW PLANTING GUIDE

 INTRODUCTION

Tree and shrub planting is of greatest benefit to wildlife if it is done in groups or belts rather
than individually scattered over a wide area. Many species of birds require the habitat
created by planting groups of trees and shrubs together as they are not able to take full
advantage of individual specimens.

PLANTING NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS

The best species to plant are the ones which occur naturally in the locality and therefore
suited to the local conditions. This particularly applies to planting in rural areas.
It has long been recognised that native trees and shrubs are the most valuable because
they support a much greater variety of animals and plants than introduced species;
they thrive in particularly harsh local conditions and
they are more likely to survive and flourish than most introduced species

SITES FOR TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING

Before planting trees consideration must be given to whether they will be assets or liabilities
when mature. A wide variety of situations can be suitable for tree planting for example

Awkward arable field corners

Wide roadside verges (subject to approval from the Highway Authority)
Screen planting around farm buildings
Supplementing small copses, woodland
Reinforcing existing hedgerows (particularly where those that have been infected with
dutch elm disease)
Shelterbelts
Steep slopes and banks
River and stream valleys
Areas of poor soil
School grounds
Parks and Public Open Space

PLANTING

Trees and shrubs may be planted at any time during the dormant season (November to
March), except during frosty weather. Generally all trees should be bare rooted or rootballed,
and should be transplants, feathered whips, or standard trees depending on the initial
effect required of the planting. The use of containerised plants is only advocated where
planting out of season is unavoidable.

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 NATIVE HEDGEROW PLANTING

Native hedgerows are an important element of the Sedgemoor landscape. In recent years
many hedgerows in the district have been lost due to changes in agricultural practice and
Dutch elm disease.
A good stockproof hedge provides a better boundary than a fence and will have a positive
benefit as a habitat for wildlife. The simplest form of hedge is a line of bushy plants planted
on a bank, often made from the soil when the adjacent ditch was dug.

PLANTING AND ESTABLISHMENT

Hedging plants should be small bushy transplants (450mm or 18”), using native
species that are indigenous to the local area.
In order to reduce competition from weed and grass growth it is advisable to spray
or rotovate the hedgeline prior to planting.
Plant five shrubs of the same species in a staggered row per linear metre
Mulch the base of the hedge after planting to keep the moisture in the soil and
reduce weed competition.
When the new hedge is establishing itself protect it from stock with fencing.

NATIVE HEDGEROW PLANTING PATTERN - DOUBLE STAGGERED ROW

Plants should be 450mm (18”) transplants, planted in a double-staggered row 300mm

(12”) apart in groups of five of the same species.
Planting should be undertaken from November to March in weed-free soil, and mulched
after planting to keep down competition.

300mm
(12”)

300mm (12”)

SPECIES FOR NATIVE HEDGEROWS

Hawthorn Blackthorn Wayfaring Tree
Crataegus monogyna Prunus spinosa Viburnum lantana
Field Maple Spindle Guelder Rose
Acer campestre Euonymus europaeus Viburnum opulus
Hazel Dogwood Privet
Corylus avellana Cornus sanguinea Ligustrum vulgare

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 NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS

TREES TREES
Alder Holm Oak
Alnus glutinosa Quercus ilex
Ash Hornbeam
Fraxinus excelsior Carpinus betulus
Aspen Large-leaved Lime
Populus tremula Tilia platyphyllos
Beech Mountain Ash
Fagus sylvatica Sorbus aucuparia
Bird Cherry Scots Pine
Prunus padus Pinus sylvestris
Black Poplar Sessile Oak
Populus nigra Quercus petraea

Common Lime Silver Birch

Tilia x europaea Betula pendula

Common Oak Small-leaved Lime

Quercus robur Tilia cordata

Crab-apple Swedish Whitebeam

Malus sylvestris Sorbus intermedia

Crack Willow Sweet Chestnut

Salix fragilis Castanea sativa

Downy Birch Sycamore

Betula pubescens Acer pseudoplatanus

English Elm True Service Tree

Ulmus procera Sorbus domestica

Field Maple Walnut

Acer campestre Juglans regia

Grey Poplar Whitebeam

Populus x canescens Sorbus aria

Horse Chestnut White Poplar

Aesculus hippocastanum Populus alba

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 NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS

TREES
White Willow
Salix alba
Wild Cherry
Prunus avium
Wild Service Tree
Sorbus torminalis
Wych Elm
Ulmus glabra
Yew
Taxus baccata

SHRUBS SHRUBS
Alder Buckthorn Hawthorn
Frangula alnus Crataegus monogyna
Blackthorn Hazel
Prunus spinosa Corylus avellana
Broom Holly
Cytisus scoparius Ilex aquifolium
Butchers Broom Osier
Ruscus aculeatus Salix viminalis
Dogwood Privet
Cornus sanguinea Ligustrum vulgare
Elder Purging Buckthorn
Sambucus nigra Rhamnus catharticus
Goat Willow Spindle
Salix caprea Euonymus europaeus
Guelder Rose Wayfaring Tree
Viburnum opulus Viburnum lantana

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 MAINTENANCE

Trees and shrubs require maintenance, usually as long as five years after planting.
Weeding is necessary in the first few years in order to prevent young trees and shrubs
being smothered and to reduce competition for water and nutrients. It is important
that all planted areas are kept weed free until they become established.
To ensure weed growth is adequately controlled
the bases of trees and shrubs in grass areas should always be kept clear for at least
half a metre from around the plant,
mulching cuts down the cost of weed control and
a suitable granular herbicide might be applied to all areas after planting.

GRANTS

Sedgemoor District Council offer small grants – up to £500 for planting native trees
and shrubs. For further information, please contact Carol Ensor, tel: 01278 435234

The Somerset Landscape Scheme is aimed at conserving and restoring the best features
of the Somerset Landscape and the creation of new traditional features which will be
attractive or have wildlife value. The scheme includes planting of native trees, shrubs
and hedgerows and is administered by the Countryside Services Group, Environment
and Property Department, County Hall, Taunton. Tel: 01823 355617.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Somerset County Council publications;

Grants for planting Native Species

Tree Nurseries and Contractors
Restoring Somerset Hedgerows
Hedgerow Tree Grants

SEDGEMOOR DISTRICT COUNCIL

Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA6 3AR
Tel: 01278 435435
www.sedgemoor.gov.uk