The hedge plant spacing calculator determines how many plants you need for your hedge based on species, desired density, and total length. Select your plant species and hedge configuration below.
Hedge Configuration
Planting Plan
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How to Plan and Plant a Privacy Hedge
A well-planned hedge creates a living privacy screen, windbreak, or decorative border that improves with age. The key is matching species to purpose and planting at the right spacing for both short-term and long-term performance.
Choosing the Right Species
Fast-growing privacy screens: Green Giant arborvitae grows 3-5 feet per year and reaches 30-40 feet; Leyland cypress grows 2-4 feet per year. For formal low hedges (2-4 feet): English boxwood is the classic choice but slow. For informal mixed hedges: viburnum, holly, and forsythia provide year-round interest with minimal shearing.
Spacing for Speed vs. Cost
Planting at 60-70% of mature spread gives faster screening but costs more upfront. Planting at 100% of mature spread costs less but takes 2-3 years longer to fill in. For a 50-foot hedge of Emerald Green arborvitae (3-4 ft spread), you'd need 17 plants at 3-foot spacing vs. 13 plants at 4-foot spacing — a $50-100 difference that saves 2 years of waiting.
Planting Technique
Dig a trench or individual holes 2x wider than the root ball but no deeper. Backfill with native soil — amendments in the planting hole can discourage roots from spreading outward. Water in well and mulch 2-3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk. Stake if exposed to wind. Water weekly the first growing season until established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hedge plant spacing calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Spacing recommendations are based on mature plant spread values from horticultural references and extension service guidelines.
How far apart should I plant arborvitae for a privacy hedge?
For a dense privacy screen, plant Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') 2-3 feet apart center-to-center. They mature to 3-4 feet wide, so 2.5-foot spacing gives overlapping canopies in 3-4 years. For faster screening, plant 2 feet apart; for long-term low-maintenance, plant 3 feet apart.
What is the difference between single-row and double-row hedges?
A single-row hedge uses one line of plants. A double-row (staggered) hedge uses two parallel rows offset by half a plant spacing, creating 50% more plants and a much denser privacy screen. Double rows take longer to establish but form an impenetrable barrier and better wind protection.
How long does it take for a hedge to fill in?
Depends on species and spacing. Fast-growing Leyland cypress or cherry laurel at tight spacing fills in within 2-3 years. Boxwood takes 5-8 years to form a solid formal hedge. Viburnum and Holly fill in within 3-5 years when planted at appropriate spacing.
Should I plant hedges in fall or spring?
Fall planting (6 weeks before the ground freezes) gives roots time to establish before winter dormancy, reducing transplant shock. Spring planting is fine but requires more frequent watering the first summer. Container-grown plants can be planted any time the ground isn't frozen.