Bird friendly hedge mix

Planting information

Spacing
Trees: plant trees roughly 2m apart. Consider the final size of the tree, nearby buildings, services and other plants to avoid future damage to the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Hedgerow: to produce a single row, plant trees around 30cm apart. For a thick hedge, plant in two rows with equal staggering of 50cm between saplings and 40cm between rows.

Tree protection
If your sapling could be at risk from animals like rabbits or deer, consider protecting them. Take a look at our tree protection options.

Best time to plant
October–March (dormant season): ideal planting time.

April–September: saplings are growing fast and should be planted as soon as possible. Take a little extra care over the warmer months.
If you need to delay planting for a few weeks, keep saplings moist, in light conditions and free from frost and wind.

Ongoing care
Weed around the base to reduce competition for nutrients.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
For detailed guidance, take a look at our tree care instructions.

Free delivery 

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer. 

Order information 

We are unable to hold or delay orders.

To reduce packaging waste and minimise environmental impact, multiple items ordered together may be packed in a single box. All trees will remain fully protected during delivery. If you would prefer your trees to be packaged separately, please contact our support services team via email at shop@woodlandtrust.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Please note: If your order contains a mix of product types (e.g. trees, tree gifts, tree protection items, merchandise or subsidised packs), items may be delivered separately. This means your order may arrive in more than one delivery.

Sapling appearance 

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15–60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don’t worry – once planted, it should recover quickly. 

Shipping restrictions 

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 

Further information 

You can find more information about delivery and packaging in our frequently asked questions.

Blackthorn

Growth and size

Mature height: 4m.

Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.

Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.

Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.

Food plant of lackey, magpie, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed moths, as well as black and brown hairstreak butterflies.

Birds often nest among the dense, thorny thickets.

Soil and conditions

Grows in moist, well-drained soil.

Prefers full sunlight.

Did you know?

The tree is associated with witchcraft; it's said that witches make their wands and staffs from blackthorn wood.

Hazel

Growth and size

Mature height: 8m.

Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.

Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.

Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Source of early pollen for bees.

Host plant for moth caterpillars such as the large emerald and barred umber.

Nuts are a favourite food of birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and jays, and mammals, including hazel dormice, bank voles and wood mice.

Soil and conditions

Tolerates shade in non-acidic, well-drained soils.

Can be planted as part of a native hedgerow.

Did you know?

Hazel is known in legend as a magical tree that provides protection.

Beech

Growth and size

Mature height: 40m.

Growth rate: 30–60cm per year.

Supplied as 20–50cm cell-grown saplings.

Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Food plant for moth caterpillars, including barred hook-tip, clay triple-lines and olive crescent. Seeds are eaten by mice, voles, squirrels and birds.

Soil and conditions

Grows well in partial shade on well-drained soil.

Not suitable for waterlogged sites.

Dog rose

Growth and size

Mature height: 1.5m.

Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.

Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.

Value to wildlife

Source of nectar for insects.

Hips are eaten by birds and mammals.

Soil and conditions

Prefers full sun and moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soil.

Tolerates poor soil.

Apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring.

Did you know?

The leaf buds are susceptible to a harmless gall called robin's pincushion, which looks like a ball of reddish threads and is made by a specialist wasp.

Hornbeam

Growth and size

Mature height: 30m.

Growth rate: 30-60cm per year.

Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.

Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Leaves provide shelter, roosting, nesting and foraging places for birds and small mammals.

Food plant for many insects.

Seeds are eaten by finches, tits and small mammals.

Soil and conditions

Can withstand severe weather.

Grows in almost any light and well-drained soil.

Did you know?

Hornbeam keeps its leaves all year round, making it a haven for wildlife. The wood is so strong, the Romans used it to make their chariots.

Yew

Growth and size

Mature height: 25m.

Growth rate: 20–50m per year.

Supplied as 15–60cm cell-grown saplings.

Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Wildlife friendly, providing valuable shelter and nesting opportunities for birds throughout the year.

Soil and conditions

It thrives in well-drained conditions and adapts to both sunny and shaded locations, making it an excellent choice for creating long-lasting, dense hedges across a wide range of landscapes.

Did you know?

The foliage and seed coat of yew contain highly toxic alkaloids, but the aril (the fleshy red part) is not toxic.