A hedge gives privacy, blocks wind and noise, shelters birds and costs far less than a fence over the long run. The main questions before buying are how many plants to order and how far apart to set them. This calculator answers both, adds the cost and suggests how far from the property line to plant.
The formula
- Plants per row = hedge length ÷ spacing, rounded up
- Total plants = plants per row × number of rows
In a staggered double row, the second row is offset by half a spacing, so the plants form a zigzag. It makes a dense hedge faster, at twice the cost in plants.
Example
A 50 ft hedge with plants every 3 ft takes 17 plants in a single row, or 34 in a staggered double row. At $25 a plant, a single row costs $425. With a mature width of 4 ft, plant the row at least 2 ft from the property line so the hedge stays on your side.
Typical spacing
| Hedge type | Spacing in the row |
|---|---|
| Boxwood, low formal edging | 1 to 1.5 ft |
| Privet, yew, small arborvitae | 2 to 3 ft |
| Green Giant arborvitae, Leyland cypress | 5 to 8 ft |
| Informal flowering shrubs (forsythia, lilac) | 4 to 6 ft |
| Bamboo (clumping) | 3 to 5 ft |
Closer spacing gives a solid screen sooner; wider spacing is cheaper but takes a few more years to fill in. Check the label for the mature width: a common rule is to space plants at one half to two thirds of their mature width.
Planting tips
- Plant in fall or early spring, when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
- Dig a trench rather than separate holes for a long hedge: it is faster and gives the roots loose soil.
- Water deeply every week through the first summer, and mulch 2 to 3 in deep to keep moisture in.
- Trim the sides so the base is slightly wider than the top, which lets light reach the lower branches.
Property lines and rules
There is no national rule in the United States. Many cities and HOAs limit hedge height, often to 3 or 4 ft in front yards and 6 to 8 ft elsewhere, and require clear sight lines near driveways and corners. A hedge planted right on the line can lead to disputes over trimming and roots, so keep it on your side and check local ordinances first.